WeRide Inc. and Uber Technologies announced the launch of a fully driverless, fare‑charging robotaxi service in Dubai on March 31 2026, marking the city’s first commercial Level 4 autonomous operation.
The service, available through the Uber app’s “Autonomous” option, serves the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim districts and is managed by Tawasul. It operates under a driverless vehicle trial permit issued by the Roads and Transport Authority in February 2026, following a supervised trial that began in December 2025.
Uber’s 5.82% stake in WeRide, valued at roughly $400 million based on the company’s closing stock price, underscores the depth of the partnership. The collaboration expands WeRide’s Middle East footprint to more than 200 robotaxis and positions Uber to access a proven Level 4 platform for future expansion.
The launch demonstrates WeRide’s ability to replicate its Abu Dhabi model—where a single vehicle can achieve 12+ trips per day at breakeven—in a new market. It is part of a plan to deploy 1,200 robotaxis across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh by 2027, highlighting a strategic push into the Middle East.
Investors reacted positively to the launch, reflecting confidence in the partnership and the regulatory milestone that validates the service’s commercial viability.
Dubai’s ambition to achieve 25% autonomous journeys by 2030, coupled with the Roads and Transport Authority’s proactive regulatory framework, has been key to this deployment. WeRide also operates in China, Singapore, and the United States, while Uber partners with multiple autonomous vehicle developers worldwide.
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