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WeRide, a company specializing in autonomous driving technology, alongside Uber Technologies, has broadened their Robotaxi services to include Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands in Abu Dhabi. This expansion is anticipated to increase ride volumes significantly and expedite the implementation of autonomous transport in the capital of the UAE.
Through a collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), the Robotaxi service now covers nearly half of Abu Dhabi’s main urban areas, which comprise Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes connecting to Zayed International Airport.
Since the launch of their joint initiative in Abu Dhabi in December 2024, WeRide and Uber have expanded their ‘Robotaxi’ fleet threefold.
The partners aim to scale operations to hundreds of vehicles across the emirate by the end of the year, with plans to extend services to Khalifa City, Masdar City, and other densely populated urban regions.
“Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands represent areas with high demand and act as crucial entry points to Abu Dhabi,” remarked Jennifer Li, CFO and head of International at WeRide. “This expansion allows us to cater to more passengers, demonstrate our cutting-edge technology in intricate urban landscapes, and expedite the introduction of autonomous vehicles throughout the city.”
Read: WeRide’s Robotaxi secures autonomous driving permit in Saudi Arabia
Highlights of the WeRide Fleet
The Robotaxi fleet consists of WeRide’s GXR model, an autonomously operated vehicle designed for commercial use, capable of accommodating up to five passengers.
Each vehicle is projected to perform numerous trips daily within a 12-hour operational timeframe, with average ride distances surpassing six kilometers.
This expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive strategy to incorporate sustainable and innovative transportation solutions into its mobility framework.
“This development signifies a crucial step in Abu Dhabi’s pursuit of a more intelligent and safer transportation system,” stated Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting DG of the ITC. “We are devoted to adopting innovative and sustainable strategies that enhance our transportation network and uplift the living standards of our citizens.”
Passengers can access the new Robotaxi services via both the Uber and TXAI mobile applications.
The targeted areas, Al Reem and Al Maryah, rank among the most vibrant areas in Abu Dhabi, characterized by a high density of financial institutions, residential complexes, and shopping venues, making them ideal locales for testing urban autonomous vehicle technology.
“We are excited to extend our autonomous vehicle service in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with WeRide and with the support of Abu Dhabi Mobility,” said Mohamad Jardaneh, head of Autonomous Mobility for the Middle East at Uber. “Just like Uber played a role in introducing millions to electric vehicles, 2025 will be the year we bring autonomous vehicle technology into the everyday experience.”
Furthermore, the companies are currently conducting fully driverless tests in Abu Dhabi, with plans for public access in the near future.
WeRide boasts the largest Robotaxi network in the Middle East and holds the distinction of being the first publicly traded autonomous mobility firm.
Their vehicles have been tested or rolled out in over 30 cities across 10 countries and have obtained autonomous vehicle permits in six different global markets, including the UAE, US, China, France, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.