Uber and WeRide have commenced the ride-hailing autonomous service in Abu Dhabi marking the first time AVs are available on the Uber platform outside of USA.
The initiative is supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and it marks a key step in making AVs part of everyday life in the region. Tawasul Transport, a leading UAE national transport company, will be appointed as the fleet operator. With this, Uber riders in Abu Dhabi requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a WeRide AV for qualifying trips. The service will be available in key areas, between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans to expand in the future.
At initial launch, each AV will have a safety operator in the vehicle to ensure a reliable and safe experience for riders and pedestrians. Uber riders in Abu Dhabi who are excited about riding in an autonomous vehicle can increase their chances of being matched with a WeRide AV by opting in via the ride preferences section of the Uber app.
Noah Zych, Uber’s global head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our partnership with WeRide, and receive the support of Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. As we take this next step in Abu Dhabi, we are excited to build on the strength of the Uber platform, helping our partners make autonomous vehicles a part of everyday life.”
Jennifer Li, chief financial officer and head of international business at WeRide, added “WeRide prioritizes passenger and pedestrian safety through rigorously validated autonomous driving technology. As the first publicly listed Robotaxi company, WeRide has demonstrated its commitment to safety through over 1,800 days of public operational experience, setting new benchmarks for autonomous vehicle performance.”