Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) is expanding its robotaxi services to Dubai, following the successful launch of fully driverless robotaxi pilot operations in Abu Dhabi just a month ago.
In a recent announcement, WeRide revealed that it has signed a cooperation agreement with Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy commercial robotaxi services in Dubai. These services are expected to be launched on the Uber platform by the end of this year.
The initial phase of the project will see the first batch of robotaxis operating with safety officers and undergoing fully driverless testing by the end of 2025. WeRide aims to achieve fully autonomous commercial operations in Dubai by the first quarter of 2026. The company has already begun robotaxi road tests in Dubai under the guidance of the RTA.
Jennifer Li, WeRide’s CFO and head of international business, highlighted the company’s focus on accelerating its expansion in international markets, with the Middle East region being a strategic priority. Li also emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the Dubai government’s vision to make 25 percent of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030.
Founded in 2017, WeRide is a pioneer in China’s autonomous driving industry, specializing in advanced smart driving solutions. The company went public on the Nasdaq in October 2025 and has since conducted autonomous driving research, testing, and operations in 30 cities across 10 countries worldwide.
WeRide obtained the first autonomous driving test license in the United Arab Emirates in July 2023, allowing it to conduct tests of autonomous vehicles on public roads nationwide. The company’s partnership with Uber in September 2024 paved the way for the launch of robotaxi services on the Uber platform in the UAE.
Prior to partnering with Uber, WeRide operated the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE. The company announced the launch of robotaxi services on Uber’s platform in the UAE in December 2024, followed by an expanded partnership with Uber in May 2025 to introduce robotaxi services in 15 new cities across Europe and the Middle East.
On May 16, 2025, WeRide made headlines by commencing fully autonomous robotaxi pilot operations in Abu Dhabi, marking the establishment of the first purely autonomous robotaxi fleet in the Middle East.
With a strategic focus on international expansion and technological innovation, WeRide is poised to revolutionize the future of transportation with its cutting-edge autonomous driving solutions. Dubai’s collaboration with WeRide and Uber underscores the city’s commitment to embracing autonomous technologies and shaping the transportation landscape of tomorrow.
