Abu Dhabi has long been at the forefront of progressive urban transformation, from its towering skyline to its tech-integrated infrastructure. Now, the city has taken a futuristic leap that may very well redefine the region’s mobility narrative. Global autonomous vehicle pioneer WeRide has officially launched fully driverless Robotaxi trial operationsin Abu Dhabi — a major milestone not just for the company but for the entire Middle East.
This initiative represents the first-ever fully driverless Robotaxi operations in the region, underlining the UAE’s relentless push to emerge as a world leader in innovation, smart cities, and clean transportation solutions. The trials, approved by the UAE government, signify the latest chapter in Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility roadmap and showcase how automation and artificial intelligence can elevate public transportation to new heights.
WeRide: Leading the Driverless Revolution
WeRide, a globally recognized name in autonomous driving technology, has been steadily building its presence in Abu Dhabi since 2021. Through earlier pilot projects in areas such as Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, the company demonstrated the feasibility, efficiency, and safety of self-driving vehicles. However, until now, those vehicles operated with safety drivers on board — a necessary caution during the preliminary stages of autonomous deployment.
But the latest trial, launched in May 2025, eliminates the presence of any human driver entirely. These fully autonomous vehicles will navigate Abu Dhabi’s roads using a complex network of sensors, LiDAR, high-definition mapping, AI-powered algorithms, and real-time data processing — with no human intervention.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Expansion at WeRide, stated, “WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless Robotaxis in the Middle East, showcasing our autonomous leadership in one of the world’s most dynamic and innovation-friendly urban environments.”
Strategic Expansion into High-Demand Areas
With the success of prior testing phases, WeRide has now broadened its service area to include Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, two of Abu Dhabi’s busiest districts. Al Maryah Island serves as the financial heart of the city, hosting international firms, high-end residences, and government entities. Al Reem Island, on the other hand, is a vibrant urban district with a mix of residential and recreational zones.
These expansions follow successful Robotaxi service integrations in Yas Island, known for tourism and entertainment, and Saadiyat Island, which houses key cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The autonomous fleet also already operates on select corridors connecting to Zayed International Airport, signaling how driverless mobility could soon be an integrated part of airport ground transportation.
Full Licensing and Regulatory Support
In July 2023, WeRide reached another key milestone by obtaining the UAE’s first national license for autonomous vehicle operations. This license not only gave WeRide the green light to test on public roads but also paved the way for long-term expansion and deployment of commercial services.
Regulatory foresight by UAE authorities has been central to this success. Rather than simply allowing international tech companies to test technologies, the UAE has built a framework to foster deep collaboration between regulators, innovators, and end-users. The proactive support from agencies like the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has turned Abu Dhabi into a launchpad for emerging transport technologies.
This cohesive strategy ensures that autonomous transportation aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation.
Uber Partnership Fuels Global Momentum
In late 2024, WeRide teamed up with Uber in a landmark deal to launch the largest commercial Robotaxi operation outside the US and China. The UAE became the first country outside China to host a commercial WeRide-Uber autonomous fleet, offering ride-hailing services in Abu Dhabi.
The service integrates seamlessly into Uber’s platform, allowing users to book a Robotaxi via the same app they use daily — but this time, the car arrives without a driver. The strategic value of this partnership is immense: while WeRide provides cutting-edge AV technology, Uber contributes its vast user network, logistics infrastructure, and operational insights.
According to Tony Han, CEO of WeRide, “Partnering with Uber fast-tracks our ability to deliver real-world, scalable AV solutions. Abu Dhabi is the perfect city to prove the commercial viability of fully autonomous transportation.”
Technology and Safety: At the Core of Trust
Each WeRide Robotaxi is powered by a multi-layered sensor suite, including radar, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and high-resolution cameras. This array helps the vehicle detect its environment in 360 degrees, making accurate decisions regarding lane changes, pedestrians, traffic lights, and other road users.
The vehicles also use V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication, allowing them to interact with road infrastructure, other vehicles, and traffic systems. In case of anomalies, a remote operations center can intervene, ensuring high levels of safety and reliability.
Crucially, these Robotaxis are designed with redundancy systems in place — multiple backups for steering, braking, and computation to guarantee performance even in unexpected situations.
To further ensure public trust, each ride is monitored in real-time, and passengers can access emergency assistance or human support if needed via an in-vehicle interface.
Enhancing Sustainability and Reducing Urban Emissions
The Robotaxis launched by WeRide are fully electric vehicles, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s broader environmental goals. As nations around the globe move toward reducing carbon emissions, the deployment of electric autonomous taxis helps minimize greenhouse gas output, ease urban congestion, and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
With the addition of 1,000 new EV charging stations planned across Abu Dhabi, electric mobility infrastructure is growing in parallel with autonomous services. This synergy represents a major step forward in building a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
A Glimpse Into the Future
The introduction of fully driverless Robotaxis is not merely a technological milestone; it reflects a deeper shift in how cities can be reimagined. Public and private transportation, logistics, and last-mile delivery could all soon integrate autonomous solutions — leading to safer, cleaner, and more efficient urban environments.
WeRide’s plan for 2025 includes expanding the trial service into full commercial deployment, subject to final regulatory approvals. With each successful mile traveled, public confidence in AV technology grows, paving the way for even broader acceptance and use.
By leading this charge, Abu Dhabi is not only enhancing mobility for its residents but also creating a real-time, living example of what the future of smart cities can look like.
Conclusion
From its pioneering driverless trials to partnerships with global giants and an unwavering focus on safety and sustainability, WeRide’s launch of fully autonomous Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi is a watershed moment for urban mobility in the Middle East.
The fusion of AI, clean energy, and proactive governance offers a new template for cities worldwide. As these silent, driverless cars hum through the modern streets of Abu Dhabi, they carry not just passengers but the promise of a smarter, more sustainable tomorrow.
In the words of one Abu Dhabi resident after experiencing her first ride in a WeRide Robotaxi: “It felt like stepping into the future — and the future felt safe, clean, and surprisingly normal.”
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