WeRide has officially launched the pilot operation of fully unmanned Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, expanding its service area to high-demand regions in Abu Dhabi, such as Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island.
This is the first fully driverless autonomous vehicle fleet in the Middle East. As early as July 2023, WeRide obtained the world’s first national-level autonomous driving license issued by the UAE. This license is not only a certification of technical strength but also a symbol of the Middle East’s open attitude towards autonomous driving.
From then on, their vehicles have been allowed to freely test and operate on all public roads in the UAE, from desert highways to the bustling streets of the financial center.
However, the implementation of technology requires more support. In September 2024, the alliance between WeRide and Uber became a crucial step. Within just three months, the largest Robotaxi fleet outside the Chinese and American markets emerged on the streets of Abu Dhabi. Initially, each vehicle would still be equipped with a safety officer, but their goal was clear: to pave the way for full automation by 2025.
But why choose Abu Dhabi? The appeal of this city goes far beyond its oil wealth.
The local policy aggressiveness and actual needs are also significant reasons. Dubai plans to have autonomous driving account for 25% of transportation by 2030, while Abu Dhabi has allowed fully unmanned vehicles on the road even earlier, designating areas such as Al Maryah Island (the financial center) and Al Reem Island (a high-end residential area) as priority zones for autonomous driving. The local high temperature of 45°C and the complex mixed traffic environment have become a “natural laboratory” for testing autonomous driving technology.
For ordinary residents, what they care about most is whether autonomous driving can make their daily commutes more efficient and safer.
Starting from the summer of 2025, with the approval of local regulatory authorities, WeRide will gradually roll out commercial operations of fully unmanned Robotaxi services. When machines take over the steering wheel completely, people may miss the joy of driving, but they may also enjoy the freedom of having their hands free.
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