- WeRide launches fully driverless Robotaxi service in Dubai with rides hailable through Uber’s app.
- Uber owns roughly 5.82% of WeRide, cementing a strategic shareholder and commercial tie.
- WeRide’s Middle East fleet tops 200 vehicles and is already operating profitably.
On March 31, WeRide announced the official launch of fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations in Dubai in partnership with Uber.
This marks one of the first publicly available driverless Robotaxi fleets in the city.
The initial service is deployed in key coastal districts including Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.
Users can hail rides directly through the “Autonomous” section of the Uber app, with fleet operations managed by local mobility company Tawasul.
The launch builds on a series of prior milestones. In December 2025, WeRide began public Robotaxi operations in Dubai.
In February 2026, the company obtained a fully driverless operation permit from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), allowing deployment across multiple core areas.
Over a longer horizon, the Middle East is emerging as one of the fastest regions for Robotaxi commercialization.
As early as 2023, WeRide secured a national autonomous driving license in the United Arab Emirates, enabling testing and operations nationwide.
In November 2025, its Robotaxi service achieved its first fully driverless commercial deployment in Abu Dhabi.
By February 2026, WeRide and Uber further outlined plans to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh.
Ownership ties are also deepening. On March 30, Uber disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it holds approximately 5.82% of WeRide’s Class A ordinary shares, making it a significant shareholder with more than a 5% stake.
WeRide is currently the only company outside the United States providing fully driverless Robotaxi services on the Uber platform.
In terms of operational scale, WeRide’s Robotaxi fleet in the Middle East exceeds 200 vehicles, with its regional Robotaxi business already achieving operating profitability.
According to Dubai’s long-term plan, autonomous mobility is expected to account for 25% of total transportation by 2030. WeRide aims to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis globally by the same year.
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