Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide have started robotaxi services without a human safety operator in Dubai, expanding operations in the Middle East.
Riders can book these vehicles via Uber’s app, available in areas such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park Second, Jabal Ali Industrial First, and the maritime hub Al Hamriya Port. The service is operated locally by Tawasul, a mobility and fleet company in the UAE.
Initially, robotaxis were introduced in Dubai as a pilot in December, with free rides and a human safety operator on board. A driverless vehicle trial permit was issued last month by the Roads and Transport Authority.
This launch marks a step forward for WeRide’s robotaxi operations in the area and Uber’s involvement, as it holds a 5.82% stake in WeRide, according to filings with the SEC. Last year, Uber invested $100 million in WeRide, and its equity stake is valued at about $150 million.
“Bringing fully driverless vehicles to Dubai is an important milestone in making autonomous mobility a global reality,” Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous mobility, stated. “This launch underscores our commitment to the UAE and our vision for a hybrid world.”
Uber increased its investment in May 2025 to expand robotaxi services to 15 more cities in the next five years, targeting regions including Europe.
The partnership allows WeRide’s services on the Uber app, with Uber managing network routing and fleet operations while WeRide handles the AV technology.
Correction March 31 at 12:15 p.m. PT: An earlier article version misstated Uber’s stake and its value in WeRide. It is around $150 million.