Image: Supplied
The autonomous driving innovation company WeRide, in collaboration with Uber Technologies, has broadened the scope of its Robotaxi services to include Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands in Abu Dhabi. This development is anticipated to double the number of rides and speed up the implementation of autonomous mobility solutions in the UAE capital.
The partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) now provides Robotaxi services across almost half of Abu Dhabi’s primary urban locations, encompassing Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and major transport routes to Zayed International Airport.
Since launching their Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi back in December 2024, WeRide and Uber have increased their fleet threefold.
The companies aim to expand to hundreds of vehicles in the emirate by the end of the year, with plans to extend services to areas like Khalifa City, Masdar City, and other densely populated urban regions.
“Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands represent key areas of high demand and are critical access points to Abu Dhabi,” stated Jennifer Li, CFO and head of International at WeRide. “This expansion allows us to serve more passengers, demonstrate our advanced technology in challenging urban environments, and expedite the rollout of autonomous vehicles throughout the city.”
Overview of WeRide’s Fleet
The Robotaxi fleet includes WeRide’s GXR model, an autonomous vehicle that has been mass-produced for commercial use and can carry up to five passengers.
Each vehicle is designed to complete numerous trips daily within a 12-hour operational timeframe, with average journey lengths surpassing six kilometers.
This expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader goal of incorporating sustainable and intelligent transport solutions into its mobility framework.
“This expansion represents a significant step in Abu Dhabi’s mission to achieve a smarter and safer mobility system,” remarked Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting Director General of the ITC. “We are dedicated to implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance our transport network and improve our residents’ quality of life.”
Riders can access the enhanced Robotaxi service through either the Uber or TXAI mobile applications.
The targeted areas of Al Reem and Al Maryah are some of Abu Dhabi’s most vibrant centers, characterized by a concentration of financial institutions, residential properties, and shopping venues, making them ideal locations for testing urban autonomous vehicle applications.
“We are thrilled to expand our autonomous vehicle services in Abu Dhabi in partnership with WeRide and with support from Abu Dhabi Mobility,” said Mohamad Jardaneh, head of Autonomous Mobility, Middle East at Uber. “Much like we introduced millions to electric vehicles, we envision 2025 as the year autonomous vehicle technology becomes mainstream.”
The companies are also conducting fully driverless tests in Abu Dhabi, with expected public access in the near future.
WeRide operates the largest Robotaxi network in the Middle East and is the first publicly listed company focused on autonomous mobility.
The company’s vehicles have been tested or deployed in more than 30 cities across ten different countries, and it holds autonomous vehicle permits in six international markets, which include the UAE, US, China, France, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.