Uber to roll out robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi soon, plans to go for completely driverless rides in 2025

Uber is bringing a slice of the future to Abu Dhabi with plans to roll out a robotaxi service. The ride-hailing company has teamed up with Chinese autonomous vehicle developer WeRide to offer self-driving car rides in the UAE capital. This new service will debut in specific areas, making it easier for passengers to move between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Zayed International Airport.

However, the journey into full autonomy will take some time. In the initial phase, these robotaxis will still have a human driver behind the wheel to ensure a smooth and safe experience for passengers and others on the road. Completely driverless rides are expected to become a reality by the end of 2025, giving Uber users a glimpse of what the future of transportation could look like.

Strategic moves in the autonomous race

The Abu Dhabi launch is part of Uber’s broader push to expand its presence in the autonomous vehicle market. The company already operates self-driving ride services in the US and plans to increase its partnerships with tech firms specialising in this field. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has expressed confidence in the company’s autonomous strategy, highlighting the strong potential of these partnerships to make robotaxi deployment more widespread and efficient.

This strategic shift allows Uber to leverage its ride-hailing platform while relying on companies like WeRide for the technological expertise required to develop reliable autonomous systems.

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WeRide’s expertise bolsters the initiative

WeRide, a leading name in autonomous vehicle innovation, is a key partner in this venture. The company, which is already authorised to test and run driverless vehicles in Dubai, Singapore, China, and the US, brings its deep experience to Uber’s Abu Dhabi plans. Its role will be pivotal in ensuring the service meets high safety and reliability standards.

As Uber prepares to introduce its robotaxis to Abu Dhabi, this move underscores the city’s growing status as a hub for cutting-edge transportation technology. With a mix of cautious implementation and ambitious plans, Uber and WeRide are setting the stage for a driverless future that could redefine mobility in the Middle East.