Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
In a groundbreaking collaboration that positions Dubai at the forefront of autonomous mobility, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uber Technologies, Inc. and WeRide, a leading autonomous driving technology firm. This transformative initiative will pilot operations for autonomous vehicles through the Uber app in Dubai starting later this year.
Read-WeRide, Uber to roll out autonomous vehicles in 15 more cities
The initial operational phase will include autonomous vehicles equipped with a safety driver to monitor performance and ensure passenger safety. Full-scale commercial services are projected to launch by 2026, as reported by the Dubai Media Office.
Preparations for this pilot project are actively underway, with Uber and WeRide leading the operational elements under the strategic oversight of the RTA.
The MoU signing ceremony featured notable figures including Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA; Madhu Kannan, Chief Business Officer at Uber; and Ryan Zhan, Regional General Manager of Middle East and Africa at WeRide. Senior representatives from all three organizations, such as Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Public Transport Agency; Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager for MEA at Uber; and Eric Dong, Director of Capital Markets at WeRide, also attended the event.
Supporting Dubai’s Smart Mobility Vision
Mattar Al Tayer has described the agreement as a strategic move toward establishing Dubai as a leader in smart and sustainable transport solutions.
“The introduction of autonomous vehicles in Dubai represents a significant leap toward a smart and sustainable mobility future, aligned with the leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city,” stated Al Tayer. “This initiative supports the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all journeys in Dubai to autonomous transport by 2030.”
He emphasized that this agreement reaffirms Dubai’s commitment to embracing advanced technologies and transport solutions that adhere to global best practices.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
Al Tayer underscored the importance of international collaboration in enhancing autonomous mobility. “The RTA is broadening its alliance with global partners to deploy a diverse range of autonomous solutions, including self-driving taxis, air taxis, and marine transport modes,” he explained. “This strategy aims to improve safety, enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, and ensure seamless connectivity within the public transport network.”
In further remarks, Al Tayer expressed that the shift toward autonomous mobility is not merely a futuristic vision but an evolving reality. “Technology developers and governments across the globe are accelerating efforts to create the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles,” he noted.
Uber and WeRide Align with Dubai’s Vision
Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Uber, acknowledged the significance of the launch in Dubai as part of Uber’s global strategy.
“At Uber, we are envisioning the future of transportation—autonomous, electric, and shared,” Hiemstra remarked. “We’re thrilled to initiate operations in Dubai with WeRide as our first technology partner. This signifies an essential step in broadening the accessibility of autonomous vehicle services worldwide.”
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer at WeRide, echoed this sentiment, calling the MoU a substantial advancement in the company’s regional growth.
“The Middle East is a focal point for us,” Li said. “Recently, we expanded our partnership with Uber to deploy robotaxis in 15 additional cities globally. This new agreement with RTA and Uber further solidifies our dedication to Dubai’s aspiration to make 25% of all transportation autonomous by 2030.”
Li added that WeRide’s cutting-edge autonomous driving technology and their global deployment experience position the company to be a pivotal player in this transformation.
