WeRide and Uber to Deploy 1,200 Robotaxis in the Middle East

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber (NYSE: UBER) will deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, with rollout expected to be completed as soon as 2027. All vehicles will be bookable via the Uber app and scaled progressively as approvals and milestones are met.

WeRide currently operates more than 200 Robotaxis in the region; Abu Dhabi operations are averaging dozens of daily trips per vehicle and are on track toward breakeven unit economics.

Positive

• 1,200 Robotaxis committed for Middle East deployment by 2027
• Existing fleet of more than 200 Robotaxis in the region
• Service available via the Uber app across three Gulf cities
• Abu Dhabi operations averaging dozens of daily trips per Robotaxi

Negative

• Deployment contingent on regulatory approvals and performance milestones
• Completion timeline targeted "as soon as 2027" without firm guaranteed date

Key Figures

Planned Middle East Robotaxis: 1,200 Robotaxis Current regional fleet: More than 200 Robotaxis Cities under Uber deal: 15 cities +5 more

8 metrics

Planned Middle East Robotaxis 1,200 Robotaxis Deployment across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh by as soon as 2027

Current regional fleet More than 200 Robotaxis Existing WeRide fleet in the Middle East before new deployment

Cities under Uber deal 15 cities Total cities outlined in WeRide–Uber agreement by 2030

Q3 2025 revenue $24.0M Q3 2025 revenue, up 144.3% year-over-year

Q3 2025 Robotaxi revenue $5.0M Q3 2025 Robotaxi revenue, up 761.0% year-over-year

Q3 2025 gross margin 32.9% Q3 2025 gross margin, up 26.4 percentage points year-over-year

Global offering shares 88,250,000 shares Class A ordinary shares in November 2025 global primary offering

Global offering gross proceeds HK$2,391,575,000 Gross proceeds from November 2025 global offering before expenses

Market Reality Check

Price: $7.81 Vol: Volume 5,619,998 is 1.33x...

normal vol

$7.81 Last Close

Volume Volume 5,619,998 is 1.33x the 20-day average of 4,239,226, indicating elevated interest ahead of this news. normal

Technical Shares trade below the 200-day MA, at $7.36 vs long-term trend level of $9.10, after falling 83.27% from the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

WRD gained 3.52% while key software peers were mixed with relatively small moves...

WRD gained 3.52% while key software peers were mixed with relatively small moves (e.g., ALRM +0.02%, AGYS -3.26%, GRND -3.5%), and no peers appeared in momentum scanners, pointing to a company-specific move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 27 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 27	AI platform launch	Positive	-2.0%	Introduced WeRide GENESIS simulation platform for faster AV training and validation.
Jan 14	App integration	Positive	+1.0%	Enabled Robotaxi booking via WeChat Mini Program to broaden user access.
Dec 12	Dubai launch	Positive	-3.3%	Started commercial Robotaxi rides in Dubai with Uber and local partner Tawasul.
Dec 04	Earnings & funding	Positive	+2.1%	Reported strong Q3 revenue growth and ARK Invest share purchase backing expansion.
Nov 26	Abu Dhabi driverless	Positive	+1.5%	Launched Level 4 fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations with Uber in Abu Dhabi.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive strategic and growth announcements have produced mixed price reactions, with both gains and pullbacks, suggesting uneven sentiment despite strong operational momentum.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, WRD has consistently highlighted commercial and technological progress. In November 2025, it secured a UAE federal driverless license and launched Abu Dhabi’s fully driverless Robotaxi operations with Uber, aiming for breakeven unit economics. Subsequent news covered strong Q3 2025 results with rapid revenue and Robotaxi growth, Dubai commercial launches, and new AI simulation platform WeRide GENESIS. Today’s Middle East Robotaxi scale-up with Uber extends that expansion narrative in the same core geographies and business model.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement expands WRD’s Middle East footprint, targeting at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Abu...

Analysis

This announcement expands WRD’s Middle East footprint, targeting at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh by as soon as 2027, up from more than 200 currently. It builds on prior fully driverless operations in Abu Dhabi and earlier Dubai and Riyadh launches under the Uber partnership. Investors may track progress toward breakeven unit economics, deployment pacing versus the 15-city Uber roadmap, and whether strong revenue growth and 32.9% gross margin can be sustained as the fleet scales.

Key Terms

autonomous driving technology, robotaxis, fully driverless, unit economics, +3 more

7 terms

autonomous driving technology technical

"WeRide ..., a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber..."

A set of hardware and software systems that allow a vehicle to perceive its surroundings, make decisions and operate with little or no human input — think of it as a self-driving chauffeur made of sensors, cameras, maps and decision software. For investors it matters because successful deployment can cut labor and operating costs, create new revenue streams, shift liability and regulatory exposure, and change demand for manufacturers and service providers across the transportation ecosystem.

robotaxis technical

"announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis"

Robotaxis are passenger vehicles that drive themselves using sensors and software, operating like a taxi without a human driver. For investors, they matter because they promise a new, potentially large revenue stream from automated ride-hailing and logistics while also carrying high costs, safety and regulatory risks, and heavy competition—similar to betting on a new public transit system that must prove it can run safely and profitably at scale.

fully driverless technical

"existing fully driverless commercial Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi"

"Fully driverless" describes a vehicle that can operate and navigate entirely on its own, without any human input or oversight. It functions like an autonomous robot, using sensors and computers to drive safely through traffic and reach destinations. This level of automation matters to investors because it signals advancements in transportation technology that could transform mobility, reduce costs, and create new business opportunities.

unit economics financial

"service is averaging dozens of daily trips per Robotaxi and is on track to achieve breakeven unit economics"

Unit economics analyzes the profitability of a single product or service by comparing the revenue it generates to the costs involved in producing and delivering it. It helps determine whether each sale contributes to overall profit, much like assessing if selling one item covers its production costs and leaves money left over. Investors use this to judge if a business model is sustainable and capable of growth.

form 6-k regulatory

"filed a Form 6-K for January 2026"

A Form 6-K is a report that companies listed in certain countries file to provide important updates, such as financial results, corporate changes, or other significant information, to regulators and investors. It functions like an official company update or news release, helping investors stay informed about developments that could affect their investment decisions.

form 20-f regulatory

"The filing states the company files annual reports under Form 20-F."

Form 20-F is the standardized annual disclosure that non-U.S. companies must file with the U.S. securities regulator when their shares are traded in the U.S.; it contains audited financial statements, a plain-language description of the business, management discussion, governance details and key risk factors. It matters to investors because it provides a consistent, comparable company “report card” and rulebook, helping buyers assess financial health, governance and risks before investing.

ads financial

"Each American Depositary Share represents three Class A ordinary shares"

Ads are paid promotional messages a company places across media — online, on TV, in print, or on social platforms — to attract customers, explain products, or shape public perception. For investors, ads matter because they drive sales growth, affect how much a company must spend to win customers, and influence brand strength and long-term value. Ads can also create regulatory or reputational risk if claims are misleading, which can affect profits and stock price.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

SAN FRANCISCO and GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) today announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East. The deployment, which will span Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, is expected to be completed as soon as 2027.

WeRide and Uber's Robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi

All 1,200 Robotaxis will be available through the Uber app in the three markets, following existing fully driverless commercial Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger operations in Dubai and Riyadh. The fleet will be scaled up progressively, with Uber committed to adding more Robotaxis as key regulatory approvals and performance milestones are met, including the launch of fully driverless commercial operations covering the core areas of each city.

"Today’s announcement marks the largest Robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region. Supported by our existing fleet, bold regulators, and partners like Uber who share our ambition for safe and convenient mobility, this commitment accelerates our regional expansion and is a key part of our vision of tens of thousands of Robotaxis globally in the next five years," said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide.

"This expansion with WeRide is an exciting moment for Uber and the Middle East. It is a testament to the strong performance of our existing deployments together, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we introduce more riders to autonomous mobility,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber.

With this expanded deployment, WeRide and Uber now operate Robotaxis in three of the 15 cities outlined under their previous agreement, with another 12 cities to come by 2030. The rollout follows WeRide’s asset-light operating model, with Uber or local third-party partners responsible for fleet operations. WeRide currently has more than 200 Robotaxis in the region.

In Abu Dhabi, the WeRide-Uber Robotaxi service is averaging dozens of daily trips per Robotaxi and is on track to achieve breakeven unit economics. Expanding the fleet to 1,200 Robotaxis will further strengthen WeRide’s position as a leading provider of commercial Robotaxi services in the Middle East, supported by a growing ecosystem of partners, and help to drive the region’s transition to fully autonomous urban mobility.

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 11 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.

About Uber
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 72 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Media Contacts
WeRide: pr@weride.ai
Uber: press@uber.com

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/0f99cb47-e51a-457c-b653-bb18593a8256

FAQ

What does WeRide (WRD) and Uber’s 1,200 Robotaxi commitment mean for WRD shareholders?

It signals a sizable commercial expansion in the Middle East that could drive scale and revenue. According to WeRide, the fleet will be scaled progressively across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, leveraging existing operations and local partners to expand commercial Robotaxi services.

When will the 1,200 Robotaxis from WeRide (WRD) and Uber be deployed in the Middle East?

The companies expect deployment to be completed as soon as 2027, subject to conditions. According to WeRide, rollout will scale progressively and depends on securing regulatory approvals and meeting defined performance milestones in each city.

How many Robotaxis does WeRide (WRD) already operate in the Middle East prior to the 1,200 commitment?

WeRide currently operates more than 200 Robotaxis in the region, providing a foundation for expansion. According to WeRide, existing services include Abu Dhabi operations averaging dozens of daily trips per Robotaxi and passenger operations in Dubai and Riyadh.

Will the WeRide (WRD) and Uber Robotaxis be available to riders through the Uber app?

Yes — all 1,200 Robotaxis will be bookable through the Uber app in the three markets. According to WeRide, the fleet will integrate with Uber’s platform while local or Uber operators manage day-to-day fleet operations under an asset-light model.

What are the main risks to WeRide (WRD) from this 1,200 Robotaxi rollout?

Key risks include reliance on regulatory approvals and milestone achievement for scaling the fleet. According to WeRide, expansion is conditional on approvals and performance targets, which could delay deployment or limit near-term commercial scale.