WeRide Launches Fully Driverless Robotaxi Trial Operations in Abu Dhabi, Broadens Service Coverage

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) has launched fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such deployment in the Middle East. The company is expanding its service coverage to Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island, adding to its existing network serving Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Zayed International Airport routes since 2021.

WeRide holds the UAE's first national license for self-driving vehicles and partnered with Uber in December 2024 to launch the largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the US and China. The company plans to introduce commercial driverless rides progressively from summer 2025, pending regulatory approval.

[ "First company to pilot fully driverless Robotaxis in the Middle East", "Expansion of service coverage to high-demand areas in Abu Dhabi", "Holds UAE's first and only national license for self-driving vehicles", "Partnership with Uber represents largest commercial Robotaxi service outside US and China", "Strategic position as advisor in Abu Dhabi Smart & Autonomous Systems Council" ]

Positive

• None.

Negative

• Commercial driverless rides still subject to regulatory approval
• Limited to trial operations currently

Insights

Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expert

WeRide's Middle East expansion with fully driverless robotaxis marks significant commercial advancement and strategic geographic growth.

WeRide's launch of fully driverless robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi represents a significant technical achievement and commercial milestone. This marks the first deployment of completely driverless vehicles in the Middle East, positioning WeRide at the forefront of autonomous vehicle deployment in a new global region.

The expansion to Al Maryah Island (Abu Dhabi's financial district) and Al Reem Island (residential area) demonstrates strategic targeting of high-demand, high-value service areas. These locations complement WeRide's existing operations in Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and airport routes that have been running since 2021, creating a comprehensive urban mobility network.

WeRide's regulatory achievements are particularly noteworthy. The company secured the UAE's first national license for self-driving vehicles in 2023, giving them unique operating authority across the country. This regulatory head start creates a significant competitive advantage and barrier to entry for competitors in this region.

The Uber partnership launched in December 2024 gives WeRide access to an established user base and ride-hailing infrastructure, accelerating consumer adoption. This partnership represents the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the US and China, highlighting the significant scale of this operation.

WeRide's participation in the Abu Dhabi Smart & Autonomous Systems Council demonstrates their influence in shaping the regulatory environment, potentially giving them an advantage as autonomous vehicle regulations continue to evolve in the UAE.

The phased approach to commercial driverless rides starting summer 2025 suggests a measured rollout strategy that balances innovation with safety considerations. This methodical expansion indicates technological confidence while acknowledging the need for regulatory alignment.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today announced the launch of fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi – the first deployment of its kind in the Middle East. Starting this quarter, a fleet of WeRide’s Robotaxis will be piloted on public roads without a safety driver, marking a major milestone in the advancement of smart mobility in Abu Dhabi.

(WeRide announced the launch of fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi)

As part of this new phase, WeRide will also be extending its Robotaxi service coverage to two high-demand islands in Abu Dhabi: Al Maryah Island, the city's financial hub home to the Abu Dhabi Global Market; and Al Reem Island, a vibrant residential and lifestyle district. These new zones build on WeRide’s existing Robotaxi network, which has been safely serving Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes connecting to Zayed International Airport since 2021.

"WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless Robotaxis in the Middle East region, showcasing our autonomous leadership in one of the world's most dynamic urban environments," said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide. "In parallel, we're expanding commercial service to high-demand areas like Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands – bringing smart mobility solutions to more users in the Middle East. Together, these demonstrate our technological maturity while moving us closer to mass commercialization of Robotaxis."

WeRide is accelerating its global business expansion, with the UAE as a key market for autonomous driving growth and innovation. In July 2023, the company received the UAE’s first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, authorizing testing and operation of its autonomous vehicles on public roads nationwide. In December 2024, WeRide and Uber launched their ride-hailing partnership in Abu Dhabi, marking the largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the US and China. As a member of the Infrastructure, Regulations, and Pilot Acceleration Working Group under the Abu Dhabi Smart & Autonomous Systems Council, WeRide also advises on the development of local infrastructure and legislation to advance autonomous mobility.

Commercial driverless rides and additional service areas will be introduced progressively from summer 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

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. The company operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries, holding driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France 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 in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.

Media Contact: pr@weride.ai

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c1d8a3a-6b16-4518-97a9-696d21a9c2bc

FAQ

When will WeRide (WRD) start its fully driverless Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi?

WeRide is launching trial operations in Q2 2025, with commercial driverless rides planned to begin progressively from summer 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

Which areas in Abu Dhabi will WeRide's Robotaxi service cover?

WeRide's service will cover Al Maryah Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes connecting to Zayed International Airport.

What is WeRide's partnership with Uber in Abu Dhabi?

WeRide and Uber launched a ride-hailing partnership in December 2024, representing the largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the US and China.

What regulatory approvals does WeRide have in the UAE?

WeRide holds the UAE's first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, authorized for testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads nationwide.

How long has WeRide been operating in Abu Dhabi?

WeRide has been safely serving various areas in Abu Dhabi, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and airport routes, since 2021.