Latest news with #WeRide
FACT
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- FACT
Robotaxi: Driverless vehicles launch in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has created its first autonomous Robotaxi service. Developed by Chinese tech firm WeRide, in partnership with Uber and local collaborator AiDriver, a pilot fleet of Robotaxis has launched in Riyadh. The driverless vehicles are now operating on key routes across the capital, including locations such as King Khalid International Airport, major highways, and city centre areas. This is part of a pilot programme set to expand into full commercial service by the end of 2025. Transport Minister Saleh Al Jasser hailed the rollout as a demonstration of the Kingdom's strategic investment in next-generation mobility services. With AI-powered decision-making tools and real-time navigation systems, the Robotaxi offers a seamless, safe, and intelligent travel experience across the city. The Robotaxi service will feature designated pick-up and drop-off stations. The result is a convenient route for passengers to travel to and from the airport. These services will also cater to students and staff at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University. The aim is to enhance transport efficiency, sustainability, and safety across Riyadh's urban networks. Expansion plans include a commercial launch expected by late 2025, with full-scale service available through the Uber platform. Robotaxis are also expected to help ease traffic congestion in Riyadh. This strategic plan supports the diversification of the Kingdom's economy and the reduction of reliance on oil. By introducing AI-powered and autonomous vehicles, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a centre of advanced technology and smart infrastructure. Go: Visit for more information.
The Star
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Pony.ai steps up mass production of robotaxis, targets overseas expansion
Chinese autonomous driving technology firm is gearing up to mass produce driverless cabs to make its robotaxis widely available and more affordable, as technological advancement helps shorten its path to commercialisation. The Guangzhou-based company – the only firm with approval to operate robotaxi services on the mainland's four most developed cities – is banking on an accelerated pace of commercialisation at home and abroad to achieve cost efficiency, according to Lou Tiancheng, co-founder and chief technology officer. 'We are anticipating a pickup in production [of robotaxis],' he said in an interview on the weekend. 'Over the past few years, we have solidified our tie-ups with carmakers to attest to the feasibility of building a large volume of driverless cabs.' would partner with local carmakers GAC and BAIC, and Toyota of Japan in production, and target a fleet of 1,000 robotaxis by the end of this year, he added. Nasdaq-listed received a permit to run its robotaxis in Shanghai's Pudong New Area last week. The permit allows the company to charge fares, pioneering the move in the nation's major commercial and financial hub. will initially operate its fleet in the Jinqiao and Huamu areas totalling a combined 40 sq km. That will be gradually expanded to other parts of Pudong, China's 1,400 sq km pioneer zone to showcase progress in building a modern socialist system. 'We believe this milestone demonstrates Pony's technological and operational readiness in the robotaxi business,' BofA Securities said in a report on Monday, reiterating its buy recommendation. 'We believe that Pony will scale up its robotaxi fleet size and see improving profitability, given better economies of scale.' Meanwhile, has expanded its operations in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, offering its services 'at any time'. It previously operated only between 7am and 11pm. The company is also looking to create new revenue sources by offering value-added in-car infotainment services to customers or supplying autonomous driving control systems to carmakers, Lou said. It was looking at Hong Kong, South Korea, the Middle East and Europe as potential markets to widen its reach, he added. Baidu's autonomous driving unit Apollo, and robotaxi start-up WeRide are deemed by analysts and industry officials as China's answer to US-based Waymo, the global leader in self-driving taxi service. Driverless cabs could account for 6 per cent of China's taxi market, aided by advanced digital infrastructure and public acceptance, HSBC said in a report earlier this month. China's robotaxi market could eventually be worth about US$40 billion a year, the bank said, without giving a time frame. reported a 4.3 per cent increase in revenue to US$75 million last year, while its net loss more than doubled to US$275 million. Shanghai authorities also granted licences to Baidu's Apollo, WeRide, Jinjiang Taxi, Dazhong Transportation and SAIC Motor to operate robotaxis in Pudong, on the sidelines of the three-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference in the city. The issuance of these licences – on a pilot basis – demonstrates Shanghai's efforts in advancing the development of driverless technology.
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Here's why WeRide, Uber expect Abu Dhabi's ride volume to double
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.' Read: 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.
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi expands driverless taxi services to Al Reem, Al Maryah Islands
Abu Dhabi has extended its autonomous taxi services to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands as part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council's strategy. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, announced the expansion in collaboration with WeRide, Uber, and Tawasul Transport. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi's efforts to develop an AI-powered mobility system and reinforces its position as a regional hub for smart mobility and innovation. The expansion forms part of Abu Dhabi's smart transport strategy, which aims to create a sustainable and smart mobility environment for residents and visitors. Abu Dhabi accelerates autonomous vehicles deployment With this expansion, autonomous taxi services now cover approximately half of Abu Dhabi's core areas. The development supports Abu Dhabi's vision to make 25 per cent of trips in the emirate rely on smart transport by 2040. The service will introduce autonomous vehicles in Al Reem and Al Maryah islands, two of Abu Dhabi's most densely populated areas. These islands serve as centres for the financial, residential, and commercial sectors. Their traffic patterns and vehicle density provide a setting to demonstrate WeRide's technology capabilities while supporting demand for mobility solutions amid traffic challenges. This launch builds on autonomous taxi services already available on Al Saadiyat and Yas Islands, as well as routes to Zayed International Airport. The expansion is part of a plan to extend the fleet and reach of Abu Dhabi's smart mobility project. Since the service began on the Uber platform in December 2024, the autonomous taxi fleet has tripled in size. The Integrated Transport Centre is working to roll out the service to more areas on Abu Dhabi Island, ensuring coverage and improving efficiency of the smart mobility system across the emirate. This development paves the way for commercial operation of the project, aligning with goals for smart transformation in the transport sector and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for mobility innovation. By integrating AI and sustainable mobility solutions into key sectors, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its position as an example for Middle Eastern cities pursuing smart urban development. This reflects the emirate's smart mobility strategy, which connects different modes of transport and utilises technology to benefit the community. Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said in a statement: 'This expansion marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey towards realising its vision for a smarter and safer mobility system. Building on the success of our previous smart mobility initiatives, we are working to extend the deployment of autonomous vehicles to high-density areas such as Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, in order to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience, in line with Abu Dhabi's smart transport strategy, which aims to provide sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.' 'We are committed to embracing innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance our transport network and improve the quality of life for our residents. By working closely with our strategic partners, we are accelerating this progress and enhancing the transport experience for everyone,' he added. Abu Dhabi has reinforced its position as a regional leader in smart mobility, becoming the first city in the Middle East and North Africa region to commercially operate autonomous vehicles. The emirate currently operates the largest fleet, with 44 autonomous vehicles serving locations across the city. Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, added: 'Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands are dynamic, high-demand areas and serve as key gateways to Abu Dhabi. 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. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support from the Integrated Transport Centre and our strong partnership with Uber, which continues to drive our growth in the Middle East and beyond.' This expansion reflects the success of partnerships led by Abu Dhabi with companies in technology and mobility including WeRide, Space42, Uber and Tawasul Transport, contributing to the development of a smart mobility ecosystem. Mohamad Jardaneh, Head of Autonomous Mobility, Middle East at Uber, concluded: 'We're pleased to expand our autonomous vehicle service in Abu Dhabi to Al Reem and Al Maryah in partnership with WeRide and with the support of The Integrated Transport Centre. We've seen some great engagement from riders in Abu Dhabi since launch and are excited to make autonomous rides more accessible to even more people in the emirate. Just as Uber helped millions experience electric vehicles for the first time, 2025 will be the year we bring AV technology into the mainstream.' WeRide specialises in autonomous driving technologies. Its fleet in Abu Dhabi is the largest it operates outside the US and China, reaffirming the emirate's position as a hub for innovation in mobility and reflecting its vision to develop a smart mobility system that supports sustainable urban development goals.
Dubai Eye
2 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Abu Dhabi expands driverless taxi service to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands
News Home More from Local Abu Dhabi Media Office Authorities in Abu Dhabi have announced the expansion of autonomous taxi services to "high-density areas" like Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands. Making the announcement on Tuesday, Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) said the service will be carried out in collaboration with WeRide, with Uber and Tawasul Transport as the local operator of the project. The complex traffic patterns in the islands, which are key centres for financial, residential and commercial sectors, offer an ideal setting to demonstrate the advanced capabilities of WeRide's technology, the authorities added. It builds on the services already available on Al Saadiyat and Yas Islands, as well as routes to Zayed International Airport and supports Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to make 25 per cent of trips in the emirate rely on smart transport by 2040. The ITC is also working to roll out the service to more areas on Abu Dhabi Island in the future. "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," said Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide. The emirate currently operates the largest active fleet, with 44 autonomous vehicles serving key locations across the city. UAE steps up Gaza relief efforts with more airdrops The UAE, in partnership with Jordan, has completed its 56th airdrop of humanitarian aid over Gaza under the 'Birds of Goodness' initiative. UAE steps up Gaza relief efforts with more airdrops UAE President issues decree promoting H.H. Sheikh Hamdan His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has been promoted to the rank of General. UAE President issues decree promoting H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Dubai Police recover AED 1.1 million jewellery bag in cross-border operation In a remarkable display of international cooperation, Dubai Police have successfully recovered and returned a jewellery bag worth over AED 1.1 million to a UAE resident. Dubai Police recover AED 1.1 million jewellery bag in cross-border operation CBUAE suspends motor insurance operations of foreign insurer The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has suspended the motor insurance operations of a foreign insurer's branch, citing non-compliance with key financial regulations. CBUAE suspends motor insurance operations of foreign insurer UAE continues humanitarian airdrops over Gaza The UAE, in cooperation with Jordan, has carried out its 55th humanitarian airdrop over the Gaza Strip, marking the second day in a row of airborne aid deliveries under the 'Birds of Goodness' initiative.
