WeRide Unveils Driverless Robotaxi Trials in Abu Dhabi, Pioneering Smart Mobility in the Middle East

WeRide's Groundbreaking Step into Driverless Mobility

In a remarkable milestone for autonomous transportation, WeRide, a leading innovator in the domain of self-driving technology, has officially launched fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi. This initiative marks the first of its kind in the Middle East, highlighting the region's commitment to smart transportation solutions.

Scheduled to commence in this quarter, WeRide’s fleet of Robotaxis will operate on public roads without the presence of safety drivers, demonstrating a significant achievement in the realm of autonomous driving. This trial aims to bolster Abu Dhabi’s status as a forward-thinking urban environment that embraces technological advancements, especially in mobility.

The announcement was made on May 16, 2025, emphasizing WeRide's status as a trailblazer within this growing industry. Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, expressed pride in leading the charge for fully driverless Robotaxi service in the region. "WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless Robotaxis in the Middle East. This showcases our autonomous leadership in one of the world's most dynamic urban environments," she stated.

In conjunction with the trials, WeRide is broadening its service coverage to key areas such as Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. Al Maryah Island serves as the city's financial center, housing significant institutions like the Abu Dhabi Global Market, while Al Reem Island is a vibrant residential locality. This strategic expansion reflects WeRide's ambition to establish a robust Robotaxi network that seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of Abu Dhabi residents. The existing network, operational since 2021, has already included significant landmarks like Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and the routes connected to Zayed International Airport.

WeRide's efforts are also complemented by recent milestones in regulatory compliance. In July 2023, the company received the UAE's first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, enabling it to test and operate autonomous vehicles on public roads across the nation. This vital step adds credibility to its operations and simplifies future expansions.

In December 2024, WeRide partnered with Uber to augment its service offerings, marking the launch of commercial Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi—the largest initiative of its type outside the United States and China. This collaboration is expected to make autonomous rides more accessible to the populace, with more service areas planned to roll out in summer 2025, subject to the approval of regulatory authorities.

WeRide's ambitions don't end in the UAE. The company is expanding its global footprint, currently operating across more than 30 cities in 10 different countries, including China, Singapore, France, and the United States. The versatility of the WeRide One platform enables it to cater to diverse transportation needs, ranging from mobility to logistics and even sanitation. With its commitment to innovation, WeRide has been recognized as a leader in the autonomous driving industry, even landing a spot on Fortune Magazine's 2024 "The Future 50" list.

As WeRide continues to pave the way for driverless technology in urban spaces, it remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation solutions for the communities it serves. The advent of these fully driverless Robotaxi trials is a significant leap toward integrating smart mobility into the very fabric of urban life in Abu Dhabi, and it could set a precedent for other cities in the Middle East and worldwide.