Uber has made a significant leap in the autonomous vehicle sector by launching its first fully driverless robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaboration with Chinese self-driving technology firm WeRide, marks the Middle East's debut of commercial robotaxis operating without a human safety driver onboard. This expansion also signifies Uber's growing commitment to autonomous operations beyond its established presence in the United States.
Autonomous Rides Now Live on Yas Island
As of November 26, following a two-week period of private trials, residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi can now hail a WeRide robotaxi through the UberX or Uber Comfort options. A new, dedicated "Autonomous" ride category has also been introduced globally on Uber's platform, offering a direct pathway to these cutting-edge vehicles. Initially, the service is operational within specific zones on Yas Island. For passenger peace of mind, in-app support and an in-vehicle tablet are available for assistance during rides. WeRide has confirmed these public commercial operations are truly driverless, achieving Level 4 automation – meaning the vehicles independently handle all driving tasks and respond to road conditions within their approved operational design domains. While human intervention isn't typically required, the system is designed with safety protocols for secure stops and allows for manual takeover if circumstances demand it.
Evolving Partnership and Global Vision
The partnership between Uber and WeRide began in Abu Dhabi in December 2024 (this date might be a typo in the original article, as it's future and contradicts "November 26" live date, but I'll maintain it as per source), initially with safety operators. Their collaboration expanded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October 2025. Uber has also introduced robotaxi services in Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix (via Waymo) more recently. Plans are underway to extend Abu Dhabi's service coverage to encompass core city areas like Al Reem and Al Maryah by late 2025. WeRide is a regional pioneer, operating over 100 robotaxis in the Middle East and holding the UAE's first national license, obtained in 2023, for testing and operating all types of self-driving vehicles on public roads, contingent on local approvals.
Industry Landscape and Future Expansion
WeRide has already successfully deployed fully driverless services in major Chinese cities like Beijing and Guangzhou. Meanwhile, Uber continues to pursue global expansion for its autonomous fleet. A May 2025 announcement outlined plans to roll out WeRide robotaxis in 15 additional cities worldwide, including European locations, over the next five years. Uber has also secured a six-year agreement for robotaxi services with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid and autonomous startup Nuro. Competitors are also advancing, with Lyft partnering with Waymo in September 2025 to launch robotaxis in Nashville next year. While the industry is moving rapidly, Uber has not yet disclosed the revenue-sharing model for its autonomous ride partnerships.
Seamless Passenger Experience
Passengers in Abu Dhabi can prioritize booking a robotaxi by selecting the "Autonomous" option within the Uber app. These vehicles operate within clearly defined safety zones, supported by in-app and in-vehicle assistance. The promise of hands-free driving in approved areas, coupled with robust safety protocols allowing for automatic stops or manual override, underscores the significance of this launch. It represents a pivotal moment for both Uber and WeRide, broadening the reach of autonomous technology in the Middle East and validating the commercial viability of fully driverless robotaxis beyond their initial rollouts in the US and China.