Dubai is stepping into the future of transportation with the launch of WeRide’s fully driverless Robotaxi service. Starting today, riders in the Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah areas can easily request these autonomous vehicles through the Uber app. This launch signifies a pivotal moment in Dubai’s journey toward becoming a leader in autonomous mobility.

Innovative Transportation in Dubai

The public operations of fully driverless Robotaxis commenced today, marking a significant development in Dubai’s transport landscape. These automated vehicles will operate without a human operator onboard, providing an entirely new way for residents and tourists to navigate two of Dubai’s key tourist areas: Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. The initiative is in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and aims to bring greater efficiency and convenience to urban mobility. Riders can utilize the Uber app’s ‘Autonomous’ option to book rides seamlessly, while Tawasul, a prominent fleet management operator in the UAE, oversees these operations.

The launch follows a successful trial period that kicked off in December 2025 and secured a driverless vehicle trial permit from the RTA in February 2026. This milestone allows WeRide to roll out Robotaxis across various locations in Dubai, including key commercial and suburban areas. These expansions are expected to enhance connectivity in regions known for high levels of transport and logistics activity, such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Hamriya Port, further driving Dubai’s ambitions for smart mobility.

Supporting Dubai’s Vision for the Future

With a goal set by the RTA to achieve 25% of all trips in Dubai through autonomous vehicles by 2030, WeRide’s initiative is integral to this vision. The extensive deployment of Robotaxis will not only transform how residents and visitors commute but will also align with the UAE’s broader smart mobility agenda. WeRide intends to grow its fleet considerably, contributing to Dubai’s status as a hub for innovative transportation solutions. Dr. Tony Han, the Founder and CEO of WeRide, expressed the company’s commitment to providing reliable and safe transportation, even amid challenges faced in the region.

Uber’s commitment to bringing fully driverless vehicles into Dubai signifies its dedication to making autonomous mobility a realistic prospect. Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber, highlighted the importance of operating alongside both human drivers and autonomous vehicles to create a resilient transportation network. This collaboration enhances the service quality and ensures that Uber remains an essential part of the city’s mobility landscape.

Strategic Partnerships and Growth Potential

In an exciting development for investors, Uber recently disclosed that it holds approximately 5.82% of WeRide’s Class A shares, solidifying the partnership between these two leaders in mobility technology. This collaboration not only highlights WeRide’s robust technological capabilities but also indicates a shared vision for future growth and innovation in the autonomous driving space. In 2023, WeRide made history by becoming the first company to receive a national license in the UAE for self-driving vehicles, further underscoring its leadership in the industry.

As WeRide extends its operations into the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, the company has also reported operational profitability in its Robotaxi business since 2025. With a fleet of over 200 Robotaxis already deployed in the region, WeRide is well on its way to fulfilling its ambitious goal of deploying several thousand vehicles globally by 2030. Through strategic partnerships and innovative technology, WeRide is not just transforming transportation in Dubai, but setting the stage for the future of smart mobility worldwide.