Uber’s autonomous ride-hailing service now available in Abu Dhabi

Uber Technologies and China’s WeRide said on Friday that its autonomous ride-hailing service is now available to everyone in Abu Dhabi, the ride-hailing firm’s first driverless taxi services outside of the US.

The service will use self-driving vehicles to provide smart mobility solutions in various areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, as well as routes to and from Zayed International Airport. It will be expanded to other regions within the emirate in the future.

Abu Dhabi’s Tawasul Transport will operate WeRide’s autonomous vehicle fleet on the Uber platform, with support from the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).

A safety operator will be present in each autonomous vehicle during the initial launch phase to ensure a secure and reliable experience for both passengers and pedestrians. Uber said the phase is a crucial step towards the full commercial launch of driverless services later in 2025.

“The introduction of this new, cutting-edge service confirms that the future of transportation is no longer an ambition but a tangible reality in Abu Dhabi. With every element of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles ecosystem primed to integrate this new service, Abu Dhabi continues to reinforce its status as a global leader for autonomous, sustainable mobility solutions,” said Badr Al-Olama, the director general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

Uber users in Abu Dhabi can opt-in to ride in a WeRide autonomous vehicle via the ride preferences section.

How to ride an Uber robotaxi

Abu Dhabi UberX and Uber Comfort riders may be matched with a WeRide autonomous vehicle if the requested route falls within WeRide’s operating territory and a dedicated WeRide vehicle is available.

Riders will be charged the standard UberX or Uber Comfort rates and will receive upfront pricing in the Uber app. Uber said before a nearby WeRide vehicle is dispatched to a customer, the ride-hailing firm will first give the vehicle the option to accept the ride or find another.

“We’re thrilled to launch our partnership with WeRide and receive the support of Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. As we take this next step in Abu Dhabi, we are excited to build on the strength of the Uber platform, helping our partners make autonomous vehicles a part of everyday life,” said Noah Zych, global head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations at Uber.

Once the WeRide vehicle arrives, riders will be able to unlock the vehicle and start the trip – all from the familiar Uber app.

WeRide currently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. It secured the UAE’s first and only national licence for self-driving vehicles in July 2023, allowing it to test and operate robotaxis on public roads throughout the nation.

Read: Robotaxis to hit Abu Dhabi streets this year, courtesy of Uber, WeRide