WeRide and Uber Technologies, Inc. plan to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across the Middle East. The deployment, which will span Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, is expected to be completed as soon as 2027. WeRide already has more than 200 robotaxis operating in the region.
All 1,200 robotaxis will be available through the Uber app in the three markets, following existing fully driverless commercial robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger operations in Dubai and Riyadh. The fleet will be scaled up progressively, with Uber committed to adding more robotaxis as key regulatory approvals and performance milestones are met, including the launch of fully driverless commercial operations covering the core areas of each city.
“Today’s announcement marks the largest robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region,” said Dr. Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide. “Supported by our existing fleet, bold regulators and partners like Uber who share our ambition for safe and convenient mobility, this commitment accelerates our regional expansion and is a key part of our vision of tens of thousands of robotaxis globally in the next five years.”
“This expansion with WeRide is an exciting moment for Uber and the Middle East,” added Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery at Uber. “It is a testament to the strong performance of our existing deployments together, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we introduce more riders to autonomous mobility.”
With this expanded deployment, WeRide and Uber now operate robotaxis in three of the 15 cities outlined under their previous agreement, with another 12 cities to come by 2030. The rollout follows WeRide’s asset-light operating model, with Uber or local third-party partners responsible for fleet operations. In Abu Dhabi, the WeRide-Uber robotaxi service is averaging dozens of daily trips per robotaxi and is on track to achieve breakeven unit economics.
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