WeRide's autonomous taxi in Abu Dhabi. SUPPLIED

 The future of mobility has officially arrived in Abu Dhabi as China’s Nasdaq-listed WeRide launched on Friday (May 17) trials of its fully driverless robotaxi, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Starting this quarter, WeRide's autonomous taxis will begin operating on public roads without a safety driver, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s smart transportation strategy. Pending regulatory approvals, commercial robotaxi services and expansion to more service areas are set to roll out later this year, the company confirmed. New service zones will include Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, complementing WeRide’s existing routes in Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and connections to Zayed International Airport, where the company has been operating since 2021. This announcement comes after WeRide achieved a major breakthrough in China, operating eight fully driverless ride-hailing routes 24/7 across central Guangzhou, the first such deployment in a major city. Abu Dhabi continues to push boundaries in autonomous transport, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a high-tech, AI-integrated future. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page