WeRide and Uber Launch Fully Driverless Robotaxi Fare-Charging Operations in Dubai, Accelerating Autonomous Mobility in the Middle East

WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber launched fully driverless, fare‑charging Robotaxi operations in Dubai on March 31, 2026, starting service in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber launched fully driverless, fare‑charging Robotaxi operations in Dubai on March 31, 2026, starting service in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. The service is available via the Uber app's "Autonomous" option and is endorsed by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.

The launch follows a supervised trial from December 2025 and a driverless trial permit issued in February 2026; WeRide says it has over 200 Robotaxis in the Middle East, achieved operational profitability in the region since 2025, and previously committed to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East.

Positive

• Public driverless Robotaxi ops launched on March 31, 2026
• Commitment to deploy ≥1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East
• 200+ Robotaxis operating in the Middle East
• Middle East Robotaxi business reached operational profitability since 2025

Negative

• None.

Argus Mar 31 session

+13.78% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – WRD

On Mar 31, the day this news came out, WRD closed 13.78% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 31 session.

Key Figures

Dubai autonomy target: 25% autonomous journeys Uber equity stake: 5.82% of Class A shares Robotaxis commitment: 1,200 Robotaxis +3 more

Dubai autonomy target

25% autonomous journeys

Emirate goal by 2030

Uber equity stake

5.82% of Class A shares

Beneficial ownership in WRD disclosed via public filings

Robotaxis commitment

1,200 Robotaxis

Planned deployment across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh

Current Middle East fleet

Over 200 Robotaxis

WeRide Robotaxis operating in the Middle East today

National AV license year

2023

Year WeRide received UAE national self-driving vehicle license

Middle East profitability

Since 2025

Regional Robotaxi operations have been operationally profitable since 2025

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 23

5 events

1. Mar 23

   Earnings and buyback

   24h Move

   +9.0%

   Record 2025 revenue growth, narrowing losses, and new US$100M repurchase plan.

2. Mar 19

   European expansion

   24h Move

   -0.5%

   Launch of Slovakia’s first national autonomous driving program with ELEVATE Slovakia.

3. Mar 16

   Tech showcase & expansion

   24h Move

   -2.1%

   Showcasing Robotaxi GXR with NVIDIA DRIVE, cost cuts, and Southeast Asia expansion plans.

4. Mar 13

   Shareholder approvals

   24h Move

   -2.5%

   Shareholders approve new articles, share mandates, repurchase mandate, and 2026 Share Plan.

5. Mar 12

   Platform integration

   24h Move

   -2.5%

   Robotaxi integration into Tencent Mobility Service, expanding access across China.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

robotaxi, autonomous mobility, beneficially owns, class a ordinary shares

4 terms

robotaxi technical

"Riders in Dubai can now book a WeRide fully driverless Robotaxi through the Uber app"

A robotaxi is a self-driving vehicle designed to transport passengers without a human driver. It operates autonomously, using sensors and computers to navigate roads and pick up riders, similar to a taxi service but without a driver. For investors, robotaxis represent a potential shift in transportation, promising lower costs and new opportunities in mobility services.

autonomous mobility technical

"an important milestone in making autonomous mobility a global reality"

Autonomous mobility means vehicles and transport services that can navigate and operate with little or no human control using onboard sensors, software, and networked systems; it covers self-driving cars, delivery robots, automated shuttles, and the supporting digital infrastructure. Investors care because it changes who pays for and earns income from transportation—like replacing a human driver with software—and can shift costs, create new revenue streams, and introduce regulatory and safety risks that affect company value.

beneficially owns financial

"Uber disclosed through public filings that it beneficially owns approximately 5.82%"

Beneficially owns means a person or entity enjoys the economic benefits and control of a security even if the legal title or registration is held in another name. Think of it like having the keys and profits from a car that is registered to a friend: you use it, benefit from it, and make decisions about it even though the official paperwork lists someone else. For investors, this matters because it reveals who truly controls shares, affects voting power, potential conflicts of interest, and regulatory disclosure obligations.

class a ordinary shares financial

"beneficially owns approximately 5.82% of WeRide's Class A ordinary shares"

Class A ordinary shares are a type of ownership stake in a company that typically grants voting rights to shareholders, allowing them to have a say in important company decisions. They often come with priority in receiving dividends or profits, making them attractive to investors seeking influence and potential income. These shares help distinguish different levels of ownership and rights within a company's stock structure.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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• Public operations began today across Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah districts
• Riders in Dubai can now book a WeRide fully driverless Robotaxi through the Uber app
• Endorsed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, supporting the emirate's goal of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030
  
  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER), today launched fully driverless Robotaxi fare-charging operations in Dubai, as part of the first batch of Level 4 Robotaxis to enter commercial service in the city. This marks a significant milestone in the companies' expanding AV partnership and strengthens their roles in supporting Dubai's driverless ambitions of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.

WeRide's Robotaxi GXR fleet in Dubai

Public commercial operations began today without a vehicle operator on board along routes in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, two of Dubai’s most popular coastal tourist districts, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Riders can book and be matched with a WeRide Robotaxi through the ‘Autonomous’ option on the Uber app. Tawasul, a leading mobility and fleet operator in the UAE, will be the service operator for WeRide vehicles on the Uber platform, providing fleet management services.

The launch follows a successful supervised trial service that began in December 2025. The RTA subsequently granted WeRide a driverless vehicle trial permit in February 2026, allowing fully driverless Robotaxis to be deployed across multiple areas in Dubai, including:

• Commercial and industrial districts: Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park Second, Jabal Ali Industrial First
• Suburban areas: Nad Al Sheba, Wadi Al Safa, Warsan, Ras Al Khor
• Maritime trade hub: Al Hamriya Port
  
  

These districts represent some of Dubai's busiest transport, logistics, and commercial activity zones. Under the RTA's guidance, WeRide will progressively extend service into these areas, bringing fully driverless mobility to more communities. This move reinforces the UAE’s smart mobility agenda and deepens WeRide’s long-term collaboration with the RTA, while supporting the company’s roadmap for tens of thousands of Robotaxis globally by 2030.

“WeRide is committed to long-term operations in Dubai and will continue expanding our local fleet. In challenging times, we stay focused on stability and service, ensuring our Robotaxis continue to deliver safe, dependable mobility for residents. This milestone reflects the combined strength of WeRide's advanced technology, our dedicated partners, and the regulatory confidence shown by RTA, as Dubai becomes one of the first cities worldwide to operate a fully driverless commercial Robotaxi service,” said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide.

"Bringing fully driverless vehicles to Dubai is an important milestone in making autonomous mobility a global reality. 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. Especially during challenging times in the region, we are proud to be a partner to this city, ensuring that Uber is always there to help people move seamlessly and with confidence," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber.

Earlier this week, Uber disclosed through public filings that it beneficially owns approximately 5.82% of WeRide's Class A ordinary shares. As a global leading mobility platform, Uber's stake demonstrates strong confidence in WeRide's technological leadership, global commercialization capabilities, and long-term strategic synergy value.

In 2023, WeRide became the first company in the UAE to receive a national license covering all types of self-driving vehicles, permitting autonomous testing and operation on public roads across the country, subject to emirate-level approvals. In February 2026, WeRide and Uber committed to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. Today, WeRide has over 200 Robotaxis in the Middle East. Since 2025, WeRide's Middle Eastern subsidiary has achieved operational profitability in its Robotaxi business.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 40 cities across 12 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in eight markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World and 2025 Future 50 lists.

Media Contact
pr@weride.ai

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release. WeRide does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d8c51b6-b0ac-47b8-b097-46e2d808f315

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How can riders book a WeRide fully driverless Robotaxi in Dubai (WRD) on March 31, 2026?

Riders can book a WeRide Robotaxi using the Uber app's "Autonomous" option, matching them to driverless vehicles. According to the company, initial public operations began March 31, 2026, serving Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim with fare‑charging trips available immediately.

Which Dubai areas will WeRide (WRD) expand driverless Robotaxi service to after the March 31, 2026 launch?

WeRide will extend service into commercial, suburban, and maritime districts under RTA guidance, including Dubai Silicon Oasis and Al Hamriya Port. According to the company, the February 2026 permit allows deployment across multiple specified Dubai districts.

How large is WeRide's (WRD) Middle East Robotaxi fleet and what are the deployment targets for 2030?

WeRide reports over 200 Robotaxis currently in the Middle East and a target roadmap for tens of thousands globally by 2030. According to the company, it also committed to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East.

What is Uber's stake in WeRide (WRD) and what does it indicate about the partnership?

Uber beneficially owns approximately 5.82% of WeRide Class A shares, signaling strategic alignment and investment confidence. According to the company, Uber's stake complements their operational partnership and shared autonomous mobility plans in the region.

Is WeRide's (WRD) Middle East Robotaxi business profitable following the Dubai driverless launch?

Yes, WeRide reports its Middle Eastern subsidiary achieved operational profitability since 2025, supporting continued expansion in the region. According to the company, that profitability underpins ongoing fleet growth and commercial deployments across Dubai and neighboring markets.

How does the WeRide and Uber driverless launch affect Dubai's goal of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030?

The launch advances Dubai's target by adding commercially available Level 4 Robotaxis in key districts, increasing autonomous trip capacity. According to the company, this operation and planned deployments support the emirate's ambition of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030.