Uber and WeRide Bring Robotaxis to Dubai Without Human Safety Operators

Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide have launched robotaxi operations without a human safety operator in Dubai, marking a major expansion of their robotaxi services in the Middle East.

The launch signals a significant escalation in WeRide's robotaxi operations in the region and Uber's continued involvement in the company.

The companies first introduced robotaxis to Dubai in December under a pilot program, but didn't charge for rides and still had a human safety operator on board. The government's Roads and Transport Authority issued a driverless vehicle trial permit to the companies last month.

The deployment will allow riders to book the vehicles through Uber's app, with operations in commercial and industrial districts like Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park Second, and Jabal Ali Industrial First, as well as suburban areas and the maritime trading hub Al Hamriya Port. The service is operated locally by Tawasul, a mobility and fleet operator in the United Arab Emirates.

This launch underscores our deep commitment to the UAE and our vision for a hybrid world — where drivers and AVs operate side-by-side to create a more resilient network.\

• Uber's equity stake in WeRide is valued at around $150 million.
• Uber holds a 5.82% stake in WeRide, according to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
• The companies have previously shared that the expansion would include cities in Europe.
• WeRide's robotaxi services are available through the Uber app, similar to Uber's deal with Waymo.

Uber increased its investment into WeRide in May 2025 as part of a commercial robotaxi partnership to bring service to another 15 cities over the next five years.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Uber had increased its stake in WeRide. An earlier version of this article also misstated the value of Uber's equity stake in WeRide. It is around $150 million as of Monday.