Abu Dhabi Makes History with First Commercial Robotaxi Service by WeRide and Uber
Abu Dhabi, 12 February 2026 – In a groundbreaking step toward the future of urban mobility, Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide and global ride-hailing giant Uber have officially launched the UAE’s first commercial robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi.
The service marks a major milestone not only for the capital but also for the region’s rapidly advancing smart mobility ecosystem.
Where the Robotaxis Are Operating
The autonomous vehicles are currently operating across some of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent locations, including:
- Corniche Road
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Khalifa City
- Masdar City
- Rabdan Area
Passengers can book a robotaxi directly through the Uber app, similar to a standard ride — but without a human driver behind the wheel.
How the Robotaxi Service Works
The fleet uses advanced AI-powered autonomous driving systems developed by WeRide. These vehicles are equipped with:
- High-resolution LiDAR sensors
- AI-based navigation systems
- Real-time traffic monitoring
- 360-degree safety cameras
The service operates under the supervision of Abu Dhabi transport authorities to ensure safety compliance and regulatory approval. Initially, safety operators may be present during the early rollout phase, with plans for full autonomy as the system matures.
Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Vision
Abu Dhabi has been investing heavily in smart city initiatives and future transport technologies. The robotaxi launch aligns with the UAE’s broader goal of:
- Reducing carbon emissions
- Enhancing road safety
- Improving traffic efficiency
- Promoting AI-driven infrastructure
Masdar City, known for sustainability innovation, plays a key role in testing and deploying next-generation mobility solutions.
Why This Launch Is Important
This commercial rollout makes Abu Dhabi one of the first cities in the Middle East to introduce a large-scale robotaxi service.
Key impacts include:
- Reduced dependence on human drivers
- Lower operational costs over time
- Support for green mobility
- Positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional tech leader
The partnership between WeRide and Uber demonstrates growing collaboration between global technology companies and the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.