Dubai Unveils Pilot Robotaxi Service on Uber App with WeRide Partnership
Dubai has officially launched its first pilot public Robotaxi service, accessible through the Uber app, a significant milestone in the emirate’s ongoing transition to autonomous mobility.
Collaboration Between RTA and WeRide
The initiative is a joint effort with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology. This partnership supports Dubai’s overarching Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to achieve 25% autonomous journeys by the year 2030. The pilot program reinforces Dubai’s standing as a leader in smart mobility and innovative transport solutions.
Robotaxi Availability and Service Areas
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the WeRide Robotaxi service is now available for booking exclusively through the Uber app. Currently, the service can be accessed in prominent neighborhoods, including Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, both of which are located close to public beaches.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, stated, “WeRide Robotaxi vehicles booked through the Uber app will be operational in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. This launch allows members of the community across various demographics to book a WeRide Robotaxi by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ service option.”
Experience and Future Developments
While the service is live, a well-trained driver will be present in each vehicle to ensure a safe and reliable experience for passengers. This is part of a carefully planned transition towards a fully driverless service, which aims to be launched in early 2026.
“This service builds upon the collaborative pilot program between RTA and WeRide, which began after our partnership announced in April 2025,” Bahrozyan added. “Extensive testing has been conducted to ensure smooth integration into our existing transportation ecosystem.”
WeRide and Uber’s Commitment
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, remarked, “Our advancements in Dubai are made possible by our autonomous driving technology, which has been rigorously tested and validated globally. We are poised for rapid expansion across the Middle East and beyond, aiming to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030.”
Li expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with proactive regulators like the RTA who share a vision for advancing autonomous transportation. She also emphasized Uber’s global platform’s role in hastening driverless transportation adoption.
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, elaborated, “Uber is at the forefront of creating the future of transportation, combining human drivers with autonomous vehicles. The swift adoption of these technologies in the UAE and the larger Middle East is exciting.”
RTA’s Vision for Autonomous Mobility
The RTA has indicated that this launch aligns with the expansion plans of WeRide and Uber in the region, with ambitions to deploy thousands of autonomous vehicles over the coming years. The pilot program is positioned as a key step towards achieving Dubai’s long-term vision of efficient and sustainable transportation.
Current Landscape and Demand for Mobility
WeRide currently operates approximately 150 autonomous vehicles across the Middle East, including more than 100 Robotaxis. The growing population of Dubai, now exceeding four million residents, is generating increased demand for various mobility solutions, further driving the necessity for shared and autonomous transportation options.
In 2024, Dubai reported over 153 million trips utilizing public transport, taxis, and shared mobility services, which includes app-based ride-hailing. Notably, there was a 28% increase in demand for shared mobility from 2023, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and scalable transportation solutions.
Future of Transport in Dubai
The pilot program is expected to propel Dubai further towards fully driverless services by early 2026. This initiative is not only a testament to technological advancement but also serves the emirate’s aspirations for sustainable and technology-driven transportation.
As the city embraces these innovations, Dubai continues to position itself as a vanguard in the transport sector, paving the way for future trends in mobility that will transform how residents and visitors navigate the urban landscape.
Published on 1765495583 • Category: News,Transport,robot taxi,self-driving,self-driving cars,Self-driving vehicles,Uber,WeRide