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Strategic Partnership Accelerates Dubai's Autonomous Future
WeRide Inc. and Uber Technologies have announced a strategic partnership with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch autonomous vehicle pilot operations in Dubai, marking a crucial milestone in the Middle East's autonomous driving landscape. This collaboration represents a crucial step in advancing Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to transform 25% of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips across various transport modes by 2030.
WeRide became the first AV provider to secure the UAE's national license for self-driving vehicles on public roads in July 2023, demonstrating regulatory confidence in their technology. The company has been operating robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi since December 2024, with a fleet size that is set to reach 50 units by mid-2025.
Phased Deployment Strategy for Dubai Launch
Focus Areas: Field preparations for the pilot phase are underway, led by WeRide and Uber, with strategic support and supervision from RTA.
Innovation Focus: Full-scale commercial rollout of driverless services in 2026 following successful pilot completion.
WeRide's Global Technology Platform
WeRide is a global leader in autonomous driving technology, with a presence in over 30 cities across 10 countries. The company operates over 1,200 units in the first quarter of 2025, and accumulated more than 2,000 days in public operations with zero regulatory discipline for autonomous driving system failure.
The only tech company in the world with driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US.
Comprehensive portfolio including Robotaxi, Robobus, Robovan, Robosweeper, and advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).
Over 40,000,000 kilometers of autonomous driving mileage across global operations.
Listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "WRD" becoming the world's first universal autonomous driving and Robotaxi stock.
We are accelerating our international expansion, with the Middle East as a strategic priority. Last month, we expanded our partnership with Uber to roll out Robotaxis in 15 additional cities over the next five years, with cities in the Middle East under consideration, and now, formalised our collaboration with Uber and the RTA to bring autonomous vehicles to Dubai through this MoU.
Massive Global Expansion on the Horizon
$100 Million Uber Investment
Uber has committed $100 million to Chinese robotaxi firm WeRide as they expand to 15 more cities. This investment is expected to be called by WeRide and completed by the second half of 2025, with closing subject to customary conditions.
This expanded partnership accelerates WeRide and Uber's shared goal of making autonomous mobility a global reality, with both companies leading the way in delivering cutting-edge technology.
Regional Competition and Context
Dubai RTA has also announced partnerships with Baidu's Apollo Go and Pony.ai, creating a competitive autonomous vehicle ecosystem in the emirate.
WeRide vehicles are available for eligible Uber trips in key areas, including Al Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
In May 2025, WeRide announced the launch of fully driverless robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi – the first deployment of its kind in the Middle East.
WeRide will also extend its robotaxi service coverage to two high-demand islands in Abu Dhabi: Al Maryah Island, the city's financial hub and home to the Abu Dhabi Global Market, and Al Reem Island.
Strategic Impact on the Autonomous Vehicle Industry
WeRide is a Chinese autonomous vehicle developer. It's listed on the Nasdaq and also holds permits for driverless vehicle testing, or both testing and operations, in Dubai, UAE, China, Singapore and the U.S. This partnership positions Dubai as a crucial testing ground for autonomous vehicle technology outside traditional markets like the United States and China.