WeRide has begun Robotaxi GXR and Robobus pilot operations in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) in the United Arab Emirates.
This represents WeRide’s first deployment in Ras Al Khaimah and its expansion into a third emirate in the UAE. The pilot integrates WeRide’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Ras Al Khaimah’s public transportation system, laying the foundation for broader commercialization across the country. As the sole partner selected for the emirate’s smart mobility strategy, WeRide is the first and only AV company with active operations in Ras Al Khaimah.
The launch was marked by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, becoming the first passenger to ride the WeRide Robobus on public roads. He was joined by Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, and Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, director general of RAKTA — underlining strong China-UAE collaboration in next-generation transportation.
WeRide’s Robobus will operate across nine stops on Al Marjan Island, a fast-growing tourism and lifestyle hub in Ras Al Khaimah. Routes will connect hotels, resorts and landmarks, including the Mövenpick Resort, Hampton by Hilton and Pullman Hotel, with plans to extend into Mina Island. In parallel, the Robotaxi GXR will serve the city center of Ras Al Khaimah, expanding autonomous mobility beyond tourism areas into the daily lives of residents.
Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in early 2026 as part of RAKTA’s public transportation system. Passengers will be able to book Robotaxi rides and track Robobus locations via RAKTA’s digital mobility app. Services will start with a safety officer on board, with fully driverless operations planned for a later phase pending regulatory approval.
This launch marks a key milestone in RAKTA’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which aims to integrate multiple transportation modes into the existing mobility network while advancing sustainability. As part of this plan, RAKTA is developing a regulatory framework for the autonomous mobility sector in line with international best practices and building local capacity to oversee its implementation.
To strengthen collaboration, WeRide also signed an MoU with RAKTA during the launch ceremony, covering the provision of advanced technical solutions, operational support and training to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of AVs in Ras Al Khaimah. Signed by Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi and Jennifer Li, CFO and head of international at WeRide, the MoU sets the stage for future commercial operations and the broader integration of WeRide’s AVs into the emirate’s transportation network.
The pilot operations and MoU signing follow Sheikh Saud’s visit to WeRide’s headquarters in Guangzhou last November.
Often called the ‘Las Vegas of the Middle East’, Ras Al Khaimah is accelerating its tourism push, particularly on Al Marjan Island, which will host the Middle East’s first casino. Through its partnership with RAKTA, WeRide says it is supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for autonomous transportation by enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity, and assisting in the development of protocols and operational standards for the wider deployment of AVs in the city.
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