Uber and the Chinese autonomous vehicle technology firm WeRide have launched fully driverless, commercial robotaxi services in Dubai, marking a significant escalation of their partnership. The service, now bookable via the Uber app, operates without a human safety operator in several commercial, industrial, and suburban districts of the emirate.
The launch follows a pilot programme initiated in December 2024, which featured safety drivers and did not charge for rides. Last month, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority granted the companies a permit to trial driverless vehicles, clearing the way for this commercial deployment.
Strategic Investment and Global Ambitions
This operational milestone coincides with a deepened financial commitment from Uber. According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, Uber now holds a 5.82% stake in WeRide. Based on WeRide's closing stock price, this equity is valued at around $400 million.
“Bringing fully driverless vehicles to Dubai is an important milestone in making autonomous mobility a global reality,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous mobility and delivery. He described the partnership's vision for a "hybrid world" where human drivers and autonomous vehicles operate alongside each other.
Partnership Structure and Expansion Plans
The commercial relationship mirrors Uber’s deal with Waymo in the United States. Uber manages the customer-facing app, network routing, and fleet operations through its local partner, the UAE mobility operator Tawasul, while WeRide remains responsible for the core autonomous vehicle technology.
The Dubai launch is part of a broader expansion strategy. In May 2025, Uber invested $100 million into WeRide as part of a commercial robotaxi partnership aimed at bringing services to 15 additional cities over the next five years. The companies have previously indicated that this expansion will include cities in Europe.
Service Areas and Operational Context
Riders in Dubai can now book the robotaxis in designated zones including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park Second, Jabal Ali Industrial First, and Al Hamriya Port. The launch underscores a strategic push into the Middle East market for both companies, with Uber highlighting its commitment to the UAE region.