Uber and WeRide announced the launch of a fully driverless robotaxi service in Dubai on March 31, 2026. The service is available through the Uber app and operates without a human safety driver in commercial and industrial districts such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park, Jabal Ali, and the Al Hamriya Port area, as well as in key tourist zones including Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.
The deployment marks the first commercial use of Level 4 autonomous vehicles in the UAE. It follows a December 2025 pilot that ran with a safety driver and no fare charges. The Roads and Transport Authority granted a driverless‑vehicle trial permit in February 2026, allowing the fleet of 100 autonomous taxis to begin paid rides. WeRide plans to expand the fleet to 1,200 vehicles across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, with Tawasul, a UAE mobility operator, providing fleet‑management services on the Uber platform.
Strategically, the launch strengthens Uber’s model of acting as an aggregator for autonomous‑vehicle operators. By integrating WeRide’s Level 4 technology into its global platform, Uber expands its autonomous‑mobility portfolio without building vehicles itself. The move also aligns with Dubai’s smart‑city agenda, which aims for 25 % autonomous journeys by 2030, positioning the city as a testbed for future mobility solutions.
Competition in the region is intensifying. Baidu’s Apollo Go also operates autonomous taxis in Dubai, and the RTA has been supportive of multiple trials. WeRide’s Middle East subsidiary has been operationally profitable since 2025, and its record 2025 revenue of RMB 684.6 million (up 90 % YoY) underscores the company’s commercial traction. Uber’s partnership with WeRide allows the company to leverage its demand marketplace while WeRide focuses on technology and fleet operations.
Management commentary highlights the long‑term commitment to the market. Dr. Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, said, "WeRide is committed to long-term operations in Dubai and will continue expanding our local fleet." The partnership demonstrates a scalable model that could be replicated in other cities, reinforcing Uber’s strategy to become the indispensable platform for autonomous‑vehicle operators.
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