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Arabian Business
5 hours 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
6 hours 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.
Gulf Today
7 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi expands operation of autonomous taxis to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands
As part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council's (SASC) strategy, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility ), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has announced the expansion of autonomous taxi services to include Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, in collaboration with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, as well as Uber and Tawasul Transport as the local operator of the project. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi's efforts to develop an AI-powered mobility system to reinforce its position as a regional hub for smart mobility and innovation, as part of Abu Dhabi's smart transport strategy, which aims to create a sustainable and smart mobility environment that serves both residents and visitors in the emirate. With this latest expansion, autonomous taxi services now cover about half of Abu Dhabi's core areas, supporting Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to make 25% of trips in the emirate rely on smart transport by 2040. The service is intended to introduce autonomous vehicles in two of Abu Dhabi's most densely populated areas: Al Reem and Al Maryah islands. These islands are key centres for the financial, residential, and commercial sectors. Their complex traffic patterns and high vehicle density provide an ideal setting to demonstrate the advanced capabilities of WeRide's technology. At the same time, the initiative supports growing demand for reliable and easily accessible mobility solutions amid increasing traffic challenges. This launch builds on the autonomous taxi services already available on Al Saadiyat and Yas Islands, as well as routes to Zayed International Airport. It is part of an ongoing plan to expand the fleet and extend the reach of Abu Dhabi's smart mobility project. Since this service started on the Uber platform in December 2024, the autonomous taxi fleet has tripled in size. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) is also working to roll out the service to more areas on Abu Dhabi Island in the future, ensuring broader coverage and improving the overall efficiency of the smart mobility system across the emirate. This paves the way for the commercial operation of the project, aligning with strategic goals for smart transformation in the transport sector and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for mobility innovation. By integrating AI and sustainable mobility solutions into key sectors, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its position as a leading example for Middle Eastern cities striving for smart urban development. This reflects the emirate's smart mobility strategy, which connects different modes of transport and makes use of modern technology to benefit the community. Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: "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." Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, said: "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." Mohamad Jardaneh, Head of Autonomous Mobility, Middle East at Uber said: '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." Abu Dhabi has reinforced its position as a regional leader in smart mobility, becoming the first city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to commercially operate autonomous vehicles. The emirate currently operates the largest active fleet, with 44 autonomous vehicles serving key locations across the city. This expansion reflects the success of strategic partnerships led by Abu Dhabi with leading global companies in technology and mobility such as WeRide, Space42, Uber and Tawasul Transport, contributing to the development of an advanced smart mobility ecosystem. WeRide is considered one of the most prominent technology companies specialising 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 leading hub for innovation in mobility and reflecting its vision to develop a smart mobility system that supports sustainable urban development goals.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Driverless taxis now operating in two major Abu Dhabi islands, key info explained
Driverless taxis operating in Abu Dhabi's key urban zones as part of the city's smart mobility strategy/ Image: Abu Dhabi Media Office TL;DR Autonomous taxis now available in Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands Abu Dhabi is expanding its smart transport project with WeRide and Uber The service is growing quickly and expected to reach more areas soon In Abu Dhabi, driverless taxis are no longer just a trial on the outskirts, they're now running in two of the city's busiest and most important areas: Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands. These new routes mark a big step in the city's plan to grow a smart, AI-powered transport network. The service, which started in late 2024 with a small fleet on Saadiyat and Yas Islands, has expanded quickly. It now connects high-traffic business, residential, and financial zones with autonomous vehicles that you can hail through the Uber app. For commuters, it means a new, quieter way to get around. For the city, it's part of a long-term effort to reduce traffic, cut emissions, and use technology to improve daily life. Why These Islands? Al Reem and Al Maryah aren't just random stops. They're some of the busiest places in the city. Packed with offices, apartment towers, and shopping centers, these islands are a real test for self-driving systems. Roads are dense, traffic is unpredictable, and people are always moving. That's why authorities chose them, to show the tech can handle real city life, not just controlled environments. The goal isn't just about showcasing high-tech cars. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Options For Affordable Back Pain Treatments Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Abu Dhabi wants to make 1 in 4 trips in the city powered by smart transport by 2040. This includes everything from autonomous taxis to electric buses, and eventually more seamless public transport options that talk to each other. Who's Behind the Project? For now, the autonomous taxi fleet is still growing, but it's much bigger than it was just a few months ago. Multiple partners are working together to run the service. The Abu Dhabi Mobility (Integrated Transport Centre), the main government body is managing the project. It's operated in partnership with WeRide, a Chinese-American tech company that specializes in autonomous driving systems. Uber is handling bookings, and local company Tawasul runs the operations on the ground. If you order one of these cars on Uber, you might notice a few things are different. The vehicle drives itself, but some still have a safety operator on board, just in case. It won't feel like a robot car. It'll feel like a regular ride, just quieter, smoother, and with no small talk. The city says these vehicles are packed with safety tools: sensors, cameras, emergency systems. And they're being tested constantly. So far, there's been no public safety incident related to the service. What's the Bigger Plan? What's happening in Abu Dhabi isn't just a showcase for cutting-edge vehicles. It's part of a wider shift happening in how cities think about transportation. Urban planning here is focused on sustainability, livability, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. That means fewer cars, more public transport, and smarter ways to connect neighborhoods. And it's not just Abu Dhabi. Cities around the world are experimenting with AI-powered mobility, but this city has moved faster than most. It's now the first in the MENA region to operate a commercial fleet of autonomous taxis, with 44 vehicles on the roads and more coming soon. What Comes Next The city isn't stopping here. More areas across Abu Dhabi Island are in line to receive autonomous taxi services in the coming months. Officials say this is part of a broader smart mobility push, one that connects AI with real public needs. As the tech improves, it's expected that these taxis will no longer need backup drivers. And if the rollout stays on track, it won't be long before hailing a driverless ride feels as normal as taking the bus.
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi expands operation of autonomous taxis to Al Reem, Al Maryah Islands
ABU DHABI - As part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council's (SASC) strategy, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility ), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has announced the expansion of autonomous taxi services to include Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands, in collaboration with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, as well as Uber and Tawasul Transport as the local operator of the project. The initiative supports Abu Dhabi's ambition to build an AI-powered mobility ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for smart and sustainable transport. The expansion aligns with the emirate's smart transport strategy, which aims to make 25 percent of all trips rely on smart mobility by 2040. With this latest addition, autonomous taxis now cover nearly half of Abu Dhabi's core areas, further integrating AI-driven transport into the city's daily life. Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands—major residential, commercial and financial hubs—were selected due to their complex traffic patterns and high demand for reliable urban mobility. The initiative demonstrates the readiness of WeRide's technology to meet real-world traffic challenges. The expansion builds on services already operating on Yas and Saadiyat Islands, as well as connections to Zayed International Airport. Since the launch of autonomous taxis on the Uber platform in December 2024, the fleet has tripled in size. The Integrated Transport Centre is working to roll out the service to additional areas on Abu Dhabi Island, paving the way for full-scale commercial deployment. Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said, 'This expansion marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey towards realising its vision for a smarter and safer mobility system. We are extending the deployment of autonomous vehicles to high-density areas to provide safer and more efficient travel experiences in line with Abu Dhabi's smart transport strategy.' He added, 'We are committed to innovative and sustainable solutions that improve quality of life. By working with our strategic partners, we are accelerating progress and enhancing the transport experience for all.' Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, said, 'Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands are dynamic, high-demand areas. This expansion allows us to showcase our technology in complex settings and accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles across Abu Dhabi.' Mohamad Jardaneh, Head of Autonomous Mobility, Middle East at Uber, added, 'We're pleased to bring autonomous rides to more people in Abu Dhabi. With strong engagement since launch, 2025 is the year AV technology enters the mainstream.' Abu Dhabi is the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to commercially operate autonomous vehicles. With a fleet of 44 AVs, the emirate has established itself as a regional leader in smart mobility, driven by strategic partnerships with global firms such as WeRide, Space42, Uber and Tawasul Transport. WeRide's Abu Dhabi fleet is its largest outside the US and China, underscoring the emirate's growing role as a global hub for innovation in sustainable mobility.
