WeRide and Uber Launch Dubai's First Commercial Fully Driverless Robotaxi Service

Unmanned Fleet Hits the Streets of Dubai

WeRide and Uber Technologies officially began fully driverless, fare-charging robotaxi operations in Dubai today, March 31, 2026. This commercial launch allows passengers in the Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim districts to request autonomous rides directly through the Uber app. These vehicles represent the first batch of Level 4 robotaxis to enter commercial service in the city without a safety operator on board. The service is managed locally by Tawasul, a leading mobility operator that provides fleet management and maintenance for the WeRide vehicles. Riders can access the new technology by selecting the "Autonomous" option within their Uber application. This partnership follows a successful supervised trial phase that helped the technology adapt to the unique traffic and environmental conditions of the region.

Strategic Expansion and Government Support

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been instrumental in this rollout, granting necessary permits to ensure the service meets local safety standards. WeRide plans to expand these operations into additional commercial and industrial hubs shortly. These areas include Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jabal Ali Industrial First, and several suburban residential zones like Nad Al Sheba and Ras Al Khor. This milestone is a central component of the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims for 25 percent of all journeys in the emirate to be autonomous by 2030. According to the official announcement, the transition is expected to generate billions in annual economic revenue while significantly improving individual productivity and traffic safety.

Global Implications and Financial Backing

Beyond Dubai, the two companies have committed to deploying at least 1,200 robotaxis across the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. Uber recently signaled its confidence in this vision by disclosing a 5.82 percent ownership stake in WeRide. With WeRide’s Middle Eastern subsidiary already reaching operational profitability in 2025, the partners are well positioned to lead the global autonomous mobility market. "This launch underscores our deep commitment to the UAE and our vision for a hybrid world where drivers and AVs operate side-by-side," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility at Uber. As the fleet grows, the companies aim to provide safe, dependable mobility for residents while supporting the UAE’s broader smart mobility agenda.