Abu Dhabi just made history as the first city in the UAE to have a fully autonomous fleet of robotaxis
Forget waiting for the future – it just pulled up outside and there's no one behind the wheel.
WeRide, the autonomous vehicle pioneer, has officially hit the gas on its fully driverless Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi, making the UAE capital the first in the region to host a commercial fleet of robotaxis with no driver onboard.
As of today, you can hop into a WeRide Robotaxi and glide through Al Maryah Island (that glitzy financial hub with ADGM and swanky hotels galore) or cruise across the ever-buzzing Al Reem Island, a lifestyle hotspot stacked with sleek residences, gyms and your next brunch spot.
We're launching fully driverless #Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi — a first in the Middle East. 🇦🇪🚖 Starting this quarter, our Robotaxis will operate on public roads without a safety driver.
📍 We're also expanding coverage to Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, in addition… pic.twitter.com/HAx9DaDZ8m — WeRide.ai (@WeRide_ai) May 16, 2025
These new zones expand WeRide's driverless empire, which already covers Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and connects to Zayed International Airport – all part of the autonomous journey that began in Abu Dhabi back in 2021.
If this feels like a big moment, it is. The UAE granted WeRide the country's first national self-driving vehicle license in 2023 and in December 2024, the company teamed up with Uber to launch the region's largest robotaxi service, right here in Abu Dhabi. Today's full launch proves that Abu Dhabi is ready to lead the driverless revolution – no joystick, no drama.
Want in on the action? Commercial driverless rides are expected to roll out across more parts of the city this summer, pending regulatory green lights. So whether you're heading to a boardroom on Al Maryah or to a smoothie date on Al Reem, the ride of the future is now available on demand – minus the small talk.
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide said: '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. Together, these demonstrate our technological maturity while moving us closer to mass commercialisation of Robotaxis.'
weride.ai.
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