Uber and WeRide launch fully driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi

Uber and Chinese tech company WeRide have officially launched a fully driverless robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, making it open to the public with no human safety driver. The service starts on Yas Island, a popular tourist area and home of the Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit.

The robotaxi service works through the Uber app. Riders choosing Uber Comfort or UberX may get matched with a WeRide robotaxi, while those who want a higher chance of trying the driverless ride can tap the “Autonomous” option. Uber and WeRide are operating the service with their fleet partner, Tawasul.

This rollout follows WeRide receiving a federal permit from the United Arab Emirates last month, allowing it to run fully driverless robotaxi operations. Both companies say the service will expand soon to more areas across Abu Dhabi’s city center.

Uber says this marks the first fully driverless service launched outside the U.S. or China. The company has spent the last two years forming partnerships with more than 20 autonomous vehicle companies across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. These deals cover robotaxis, delivery vehicles, and self-driving trucks.

Uber and WeRide also plan to expand their robotaxi services to up to 15 cities in the Middle East and Europe in the next few years, with the goal of scaling to thousands of robotaxis.