WeRide, Dubai’s RTA, and Uber Unite for Dubai’s Robotaxi Revolution
On June 15, 2025, a significant milestone in autonomous driving was achieved as WeRide, a leading Chinese autonomous driving technology company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Uber Technologies. This partnership aims to develop and deploy commercial Robotaxi services in Dubai, a venture that will soon be available on the Uber platform.
The Vision for Autonomous Mobility
By the end of 2025, the initial phase of this project will see Robotaxis operating with safety drivers on board. However, more exciting is the expectation of a fully driverless commercial service set to launch in the first quarter of 2026. WeRide and Uber have already begun conducting road tests for the Robotaxis in Dubai, all while receiving strategic support and oversight from the RTA.
Strategic Importance of Dubai
Jennifer Xuan Li, WeRide’s CFO and Head of International Operations, expressed the company’s focus on global expansion, particularly in the Middle East. “This agreement with Uber and the RTA marks a major step forward in deploying autonomous vehicles in Dubai,” she stated. This initiative aligns perfectly with Dubai’s ambitious goal of achieving 25% of all transportation trips through autonomous means by 2030.
In recent announcements, WeRide has expanded its partnership with Uber, seeking to roll out Robotaxis in 15 new cities over the next five years, among which cities in the Middle East are under active consideration. The collaboration emphasizes WeRide’s advanced technologies and experience in global applications.
A Commitment to Smart Mobility
Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, highlighted the agreement as a pivotal moment in Dubai’s journey toward smarter, sustainable mobility. He noted, “Introducing autonomous vehicles is a crucial step toward a smarter, more sustainable future for mobility, reflecting our commitment to innovation and smart mobility.” This partnership is part of Dubai’s broader vision to become the world’s smartest city, setting the stage for advanced sustainable transportation solutions.
Uber’s Role in the Future of Transportation
Frans Hiemstra, the Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Uber, emphasized the company’s commitment to shaping the future of transportation through electrification, shared mobility, and autonomous driving. “We’re thrilled to sign this MoU to launch autonomous vehicle services in Dubai by 2025, with WeRide as our first tech partner,” he remarked. This collaboration aims to make autonomous technology accessible to users globally, and Uber is looking forward to rolling out this innovative experience to riders in Dubai later this year.
Pioneering Autonomous Vehicle Testing in the UAE
A noteworthy achievement for WeRide occurred in July 2023 when it became the first company to secure an autonomous vehicle test license in the UAE. This license authorizes public road testing and operational capabilities for its complete product lineup across the nation. Currently, WeRide stands out as the only company worldwide with autonomous driving permits across five countries: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the United States.
The Future is Here: A New Era of Transportation
As WeRide, Dubai’s RTA, and Uber embark on this transformative journey to introduce Robotaxis, it marks not just an innovation in transportation but an essential step towards a new era defined by sustainability, technology, and convenience. The collaboration showcases the intersection of cutting-edge technology and visionary urban planning, positioning Dubai as a leader in the global movement toward smart and sustainable transportation solutions.
