Business
Dubai launches pilot Robotaxi service on Uber app in partnership with WeRide
Dubai has launched its first pilot public Robotaxi service through the Uber app, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s transition toward autonomous mobility.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with WeRide, a global autonomous driving technology company, and supports Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to achieve 25 per cent autonomous journeys by 2030.
The pilot reinforces Dubai’s position as a regional leader in smart mobility and next-generation transport solutions.
Robotaxi trips in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that the WeRide Robotaxi service is now available for booking through the Uber app in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at RTA, said: “WeRide Robotaxi vehicles booked through the Uber app will be available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai’s most prominent areas located near public beaches.
“Members of the public across all segments of the community can book a WeRide Robotaxi through the Uber app by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ service option.
“This launch builds on the joint pilot programme between RTA and WeRide, which has, since the partnership announcement in April 2025, undergone successive testing to ensure a smooth transition towards autonomous mobility solutions.
“The service is currently operating with a specialist driver on board to ensure a safe and reliable experience, paving the way for a fully driverless service in early 2026.”
Uber and WeRide partnership
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, said: “Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide. We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030.
“ We are pleased to partner with forward-thinking regulators like RTA, who share a similarly bold commitment to advancing autonomous mobility, and with Uber, whose global platform will help accelerate the adoption of driverless transportation.”
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber, said: “As the world’s largest hybrid network of human drivers and AVs, Uber is building the future of transportation, and we are thrilled by the pace of autonomous adoption in the UAE and the Middle East.
“This launch in Dubai is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the UAE’s vision for the future of mobility and contributes directly to Dubai’s goal of achieving 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.”
The future of transport
WeRide currently operates around 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, including more than 100 Robotaxis.
Dubai’s fast-growing population — now exceeding 4m residents — continues to drive higher mobility demand and greater reliance on shared mobility platforms.
In 2024, the emirate recorded more than 153m trips across public transport, taxis and shared mobility services, including app-based ride-hailing.
Demand for shared mobility rose 28 per cent compared with 2023, reinforcing the need for innovative, scalable and autonomous mobility solutions.
The pilot programme is expected to accelerate Dubai’s transition to fully driverless services in early 2026, supporting the emirate’s long-term goals for sustainable, efficient and technology-driven transportation.
