In a groundbreaking move for the transportation industry, Uber has officially launched the Middle East's first commercial fully driverless taxi service in Abu Dhabi. The global ride-hailing giant has partnered with Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide to introduce robotaxis without any human driver onboard.
Historic Launch in Abu Dhabi
The service went live on November 26 after two weeks of private trials, initially operating in designated areas of Yas Island. This marks Uber's first autonomous vehicle operation outside the United States and represents a significant milestone in the commercialization of self-driving technology.
Passengers in Abu Dhabi can now request a WeRide robotaxi through the UberX or Uber Comfort options. More notably, Uber has introduced a new "Autonomous" ride category - the first dedicated self-driving option globally on Uber's platform. This dedicated category makes it easier for riders to specifically choose driverless vehicles.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
WeRide confirmed that the robotaxis are operating at Level 4 automation, meaning the vehicles can handle all driving tasks independently within approved zones. The cars can respond to road situations without human intervention, though the system includes protocols to safely stop the vehicle and allows for manual takeover if necessary.
For passenger safety and assistance, onboard support is available through the Uber app and via an in-vehicle tablet. This ensures riders have constant access to help and information during their journeys. The service began commercial operations without any vehicle specialist on board, making it truly driverless.
Expansion Plans and Global Context
The Uber-WeRide partnership began in Abu Dhabi in December 2024 with autonomous rides that included a safety operator. The collaboration expanded to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October 2025 with similar services. The companies plan to further expand the Abu Dhabi service by the end of 2025 to cover more areas within the city's core, including Al Reem and Al Maryah.
Currently, WeRide operates over 100 robotaxis in the Middle East and maintains a first-mover advantage in the UAE, having been active in autonomous vehicle operations since 2021. In 2023, WeRide became the first company in the UAE to receive a national license allowing all types of self-driving vehicles to be tested and operated on public roads.
Uber's global autonomous vehicle expansion continues aggressively. In May 2025, the company announced plans to introduce WeRide robotaxis in 15 additional cities, including European locations, over the next five years. Uber has also secured a six-year robotaxi agreement with electric vehicle maker Lucid and autonomous vehicle startup Nuro.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Impact
The race for autonomous vehicle dominance is heating up globally. Competitor Lyft partnered with Waymo in September 2025 to launch robotaxi services in Nashville next year. However, Uber has not disclosed how revenue from autonomous rides is shared with its partners.
WeRide has already deployed fully driverless services in Beijing and Guangzhou, China, demonstrating the company's proven track record in autonomous technology implementation across different markets.
This launch represents a significant step forward in the commercialization of autonomous vehicles and demonstrates the growing acceptance of driverless technology in public transportation. The successful implementation in Abu Dhabi could pave the way for similar services across other Middle Eastern cities and beyond.
