Residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi are about to experience the future of transportation firsthand. China’s Nasdaq-listed WeRide, on Friday, announced the launch of fully driverless robotaxi trials in the capital, marking the first time such a service has been deployed in the Middle East.
Commercial driverless rides and additional service areas will be introduced progressively from the summer of 2025, pending regulatory approvals, WeRide shared in a statement, reports Gulf News.
Starting this quarter, a fleet of WeRide's robotaxis will navigate public roads without any human safety drivers on board. This significant step signifies a major leap forward for smart mobility initiatives in Abu Dhabi.
For the uninitiated, driverless or "robotaxis" utilize sophisticated sensors, artificial intelligence, and mapping technology to navigate roads and transport passengers without human intervention.
The development of this technology has been ongoing globally for several years, with companies like WeRide at the forefront of testing and deploying these autonomous vehicles in select areas.
Alongside this groundbreaking driverless trial, WeRide is also expanding its existing robotaxi service area to include two key locations in Abu Dhabi: Al Maryah Island, the bustling financial hub that houses the Abu Dhabi Global Market, and Al Reem Island, a popular residential and lifestyle destination.
These additions build upon WeRide's current network, which has successfully operated with safety drivers on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes connecting to Zayed International Airport since 2021.
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International Business at WeRide, highlighted the significance of this launch, stating, "WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless Robotaxis in the Middle East region, showcasing our autonomous leadership in one of the world's most dynamic urban environments. In parallel, we're expanding commercial service to high-demand areas like Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands – bringing smart mobility solutions to more users in the Middle East."
WeRide has been strategically expanding its global presence, with the UAE identified as a crucial market for the growth and innovation of autonomous driving.
The company received the UAE's first national license for self-driving vehicles in July 2023, allowing them to test and operate their autonomous cars on public roads nationwide.
Further solidifying their presence, WeRide partnered with Uber in Abu Dhabi in December 2024 to launch a ride-hailing service using their robotaxis, the largest commercial deployment outside the US and China.
WeRide is also actively involved in shaping the future of autonomous mobility in Abu Dhabi as a member of the Infrastructure, Regulations, and Pilot Acceleration Working Group under the Abu Dhabi Smart & Autonomous Systems Council.
In this role, they provide valuable insights into the development of local infrastructure and regulations necessary to support the advancement of self-driving technology.
