WeRide, Uber, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) partner to launch autonomous robotaxis, aiming to bring smart transport solutions closer to the public
Dubai’s public transport system is set to reach new heights as WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, partners with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) to introduce self-driving robotaxis. This collaboration seeks to bring autonomous mobility closer to people, further solidifying their role as partners of choice in making cutting-edge technology a global reality.
Renowned for its safe and reliable processes, WeRide made history in July 2023 by securing the first national licence for self-driving vehicles in the UAE, covering all types of autonomous vehicles (AVs), as well as the first national-level driverless licence both regionally and globally. WeRide’s latest launch in Dubai follows its successful robotaxi debut in Abu Dhabi in 2021, cementing its position as the leading provider of autonomous mobility technology in the Middle East. This launch marks the second city in the region where WeRide and Uber are collaborating to bring cutting-edge autonomous mobility solutions to the public.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said: “This partnership with Uber, starting with WeRide as the technology partner, represents a crucial step in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to transform 25% of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips across various transport modes by 2030. This collaboration underscore RTA’s commitment to engaging with global technology leaders and forms part of a series of autonomous mobility trials launched in 2016, which have grown in diversity over the past years.”
WeRide, Uber, and the RTA will collaborate on pilot programmes, using Uber’s technology to match riders with WeRide’s robotaxis, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience. The partnership will also explore data insights, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks to facilitate a smooth transition to autonomous mobility in Dubai.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, stated:“Dubai marks a natural step forward in our commitment to advancing mobility in the Middle East as well as our continued global expansion. We believe our advanced autonomous driving technology and operational experience combined with Uber’s powerful global mobility platform will help us serve millions of consumers in cities across the world.”
Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to introduce autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, beginning with our technology partner, WeRide. At Uber, we’re building the future of transportation, partnering with the world’s leading autonomous vehicle developers to help commercialise and deploy this technology at scale globally.”
He continued: “With WeRide as our first AV technology partner in the UAE, we’re offering riders a reliable and forward-thinking mobility solution that aligns with the country’s ambitions for smart cities and future transport.”
This partnership in Dubai leverages WeRide’s global expertise in autonomous driving and Uber’s leadership in ride-hailing and mobility solutions, positioning the city as a trailblazer in smart transportation and innovation.
