Here's why WeRide, Uber expect Abu Dhabi's ride volume to double

Gulf Business

4 days ago

Image: Supplied
Autonomous driving technology firm
The partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) now enables Robotaxi service coverage across nearly half of Abu Dhabi's core urban areas, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and highway corridors to and from Zayed International Airport.
Since their joint launch in Abu Dhabi in December 2024, WeRide and Uber have tripled their 'Robotaxi' fleet.
The companies plan to scale to hundreds of vehicles in the emirate by year-end, with service expansions slated for Khalifa City, Masdar City, and other high-density downtown zones.
'Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands are high-demand areas and serve as key gateways to Abu Dhabi,' said Jennifer Li, CFO and head of International at WeRide. 'This expansion gives us the opportunity to reach more passengers, showcase our advanced technology in complex urban settings, and further accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles across the city.'
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WeRide fleet highlights
The Robotaxi fleet features WeRide's GXR model, a mass-produced autonomous vehicle designed for commercial deployment, accommodating up to five passengers.
Each vehicle is expected to complete dozens of trips daily over a 12-hour operating window, with average ride distances exceeding six kilometres.
The expansion builds on Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to integrate sustainable and intelligent transport solutions into its mobility infrastructure.
'This expansion marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey towards realising its vision for a smarter and safer mobility system,' said Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting DG of the ITC. 'We are committed to embracing innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance our transport network and improve the quality of life for our residents.'
Passengers can now access the expanded Robotaxi service via the Uber and TXAI mobile apps.
The targeted districts, Al Reem and Al Maryah, are among Abu Dhabi's most dynamic hubs, with a high concentration of financial institutions, residential towers, and retail destinations, making them ideal testbeds for urban AV deployment.
'We're pleased to expand our autonomous vehicle service in Abu Dhabi in partnership with WeRide and with the support of the Abu Dhabi Mobility,' said Mohamad Jardaneh, head of Autonomous Mobility, Middle East at Uber. 'Just as Uber helped millions experience electric vehicles for the first time, 2025 will be the year we bring AV technology into the mainstream.'
The companies are also conducting fully driverless testing in Abu Dhabi, with public access expected in the coming months.
WeRide operates the largest Robotaxi network in the Middle East and is the first publicly traded autonomous mobility company.
Its vehicles have been tested or deployed in over 30 cities across 10 countries and hold AV permits in six global markets, including the UAE, US, China, France, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.