Uber and the Chinese autonomous vehicle firm WeRide have initiated robotaxi services without a human safety operator in Dubai, marking a significant expansion in the Middle East.
Users can now request these vehicles via Uber’s app, with services available in commercial and industrial zones such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park Second, and Jabal Ali Industrial First, as well as suburban regions and the maritime trade center Al Hamriya Port. The service is managed locally by Tawasul, a fleet and mobility operator in the UAE.
The firms initially presented robotaxis in Dubai last December under a trial scheme, offering free rides and utilizing a human safety operator. Last month, the Roads and Transport Authority of the government issued a permit for the companies to trial driverless vehicles.
This launch indicates a significant advancement in WeRide’s robotaxi initiatives in the area and highlights Uber’s ongoing partnership with the firm. According to filings submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, Uber possesses a 5.82% interest in WeRide. Last year, Uber invested $100 million in WeRide, which places Uber’s equity stake at approximately $150 million based on WeRide’s stock closing price on Monday.
“Introducing fully autonomous vehicles to Dubai represents a critical step toward achieving global autonomous mobility,” stated Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous mobility and delivery. “This launch epitomizes our strong commitment to the UAE and our vision for a hybrid ecosystem—where drivers alongside AVs cultivate a more robust network. Particularly during trying times in the region, we take pride in being a partner to this city, ensuring that Uber remains a reliable option for seamless and confident transport.”
In May 2025, Uber expanded its investment in WeRide as part of a commercial robotaxi collaboration aimed at extending service to another 15 cities in the next five years. The companies have previously indicated that this expansion will encompass cities in Europe.
Through this partnership, WeRide’s robotaxi offerings can be accessed via the Uber app. This agreement is akin to Uber’s arrangement with Waymo, where Uber manages network routing and fleet operations, while the autonomous vehicle firm oversees the AV technology.
Correction March 31 at 12:15 p.m. PT: A previous version of this article mistakenly mentioned that Uber had increased its stake in WeRide. It also inaccurately stated the value of Uber’s equity stake in WeRide; it is approximately $150 million as of Monday.