Tawasul to Operate WeRide Autonomous Vehicles for Uber Trips in Key Abu Dhabi Locations
Uber Technologies Inc. has launched its first autonomous ride-hailing service outside the United States, partnering with Chinese self-driving technology company WeRide Inc. to roll out robotaxis in Abu Dhabi. This marks a significant milestone in Uber’s global expansion of autonomous vehicle (AV) operations.
Riders can now book autonomous rides through the Uber platform at UberX or Uber Comfort rates in key locations, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes connecting to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The company plans to expand the service to more areas in the near future.
Initially, a safety operator will be present in each vehicle to ensure the security and reliability of the rides, with Uber targeting a fully driverless service by 2025.
“This launch represents a major step forward in our mission to make autonomous vehicles a part of daily life,” said Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations. “We’re thrilled to partner with WeRide and to have the support of Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre, as we work together to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable mobility solutions to the UAE.”
The autonomous fleet will be operated by Tawasul, making it the main fleet operator for WeRide vehicles on the Uber platform.
A Broader Strategy for Autonomous Mobility
Uber’s move into Abu Dhabi is part of a larger push to integrate autonomous vehicles into its global operations. The company has forged partnerships with at least seven autonomous technology firms since mid-2023, including Waymo, Alphabet Inc.’s self-driving unit. These partnerships allow Uber to incorporate cutting-edge technologies without the need to develop proprietary self-driving systems.
However, the shift to autonomous operations is not without challenges. Investors remain cautious, as Uber and its rival Lyft currently rely heavily on a vast network of human drivers to meet rider demand. Additionally, Uber faces competition from Waymo, which operates its own driverless ride-hailing services in major markets such as San Francisco.
A New Chapter for UAE Mobility
The Abu Dhabi initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a leader in future mobility solutions. By embracing autonomous technologies, the region continues to set the stage for innovative, sustainable transportation systems.
With this latest launch, Uber aims to establish itself as a global leader in autonomous ride-hailing, leveraging partnerships like this one with WeRide to pave the way for a new era of mobility in the Middle East.
