The driverless WeRide taxi in Abu Dhabi. SUPPLIED

Residents and visitors on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi can now hail a driverless robotaxi through the Uber app, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s autonomous mobility rollout. The service, powered by WeRide’s autonomous vehicles, is now live for UberX, Uber Comfort, and the new Autonomous category. Ride requests on Yas Island may be fulfilled by a WeRide robotaxi operating fully driverless, without any safety specialist onboard. The launch comes after WeRide and Uber expanded their partnership with the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and fleet operator Tawasul, following federal and local approvals. In October, WeRide received federal approval for fully driverless commercial operations in the UAE. Shortly after, the ITC granted the company and Tawasul the first-ever commercial licence for a fully driverless robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi. This marks the first phase of the commercial rollout, managed jointly by WeRide and Tawasul via the Uber platform. According to WeRide, the robotaxis are designed to offer “a consistent, precise, and responsive driving experience” through electric powertrains and advanced AI systems that constantly monitor road and traffic conditions. WeRide has operated in Abu Dhabi for four years. In 2023, it became the first company in the UAE to obtain a national licence covering all categories of autonomous vehicles for testing and operations across public roads nationwide. The company’s partnership with Uber began in December 2024, launching what became the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the US and China. Coverage expanded in July to include about half of Abu Dhabi’s core urban areas, including Al Reem Island. The new driverless rides on Yas Island signal what officials call a step toward “next-generation, sustainable and intelligent mobility” in the UAE capital. ICA/Expat Media
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