WeRide Launches Robotaxi and Robobus Pilots in Ras Al Khaimah, Expanding Into Third UAE Emirate

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) has launched pilot operations of its Robotaxi GXR and Robobus in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, marking its expansion into a third UAE emirate. The company has partnered with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA) as the exclusive autonomous vehicle provider for the emirate's smart mobility strategy.

The Robobus service will operate across nine stops on Al Marjan Island, connecting major hotels and resorts, while the Robotaxi GXR will serve the city center. Commercial operations are set to begin in early 2026 as part of RAKTA's public transport system, with initial operations including safety officers before transitioning to fully driverless operations.

WeRide has also signed an MoU with RAKTA to provide technical solutions, operational support, and training for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles in the region. The initiative supports Ras Al Khaimah's Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030 and its growing tourism sector.

Positive

• Exclusive partnership with RAKTA as the sole autonomous vehicle provider in Ras Al Khaimah
• Strategic expansion into third UAE emirate, strengthening regional presence
• Commercial operations set to begin in early 2026 with integration into public transport system
• High-profile support from UAE leadership and Chinese officials demonstrating strong governmental backing

Negative

• Initial operations require safety officers, indicating regulatory hurdles for fully autonomous deployment
• Commercial operations delayed until 2026, suggesting extended pilot phase

Insights

Autonomous Mobility Expert

WeRide expands UAE footprint with Ras Al Khaimah pilot launch, gaining exclusive access to a developing tourism hub with commercial operations starting 2026.

WeRide's expansion into Ras Al Khaimah marks a strategic milestone in the company's Middle East growth strategy. As the exclusive autonomous vehicle partner for this emirate, WeRide secures a significant competitive advantage in a region aggressively developing its tourism infrastructure. The pilot introduces both their Robotaxi GXR and Robobus products into a new market, with operations spanning tourist areas and city centers.

The high-level government endorsement—with the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah himself taking the inaugural ride—signals exceptional regulatory support that typically accelerates commercial deployment timelines. This government backing is particularly valuable in a region where regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles are still evolving.

Strategically, WeRide's timing is noteworthy as they're positioning their technology within Al Marjan Island's transportation infrastructure before the opening of the Middle East's first casino. This positions WeRide to benefit from the projected tourism surge in what's being called the "Las Vegas of the Middle East." The integration into RAKTA's public transport system by early 2026 establishes a clear commercialization timeline and provides WeRide with valuable operational data in varied environmental conditions.

While revenue impact remains limited during the pilot phase, the formalized MoU creates a clear pathway to commercial operations. The deployment across nine stops connecting major hotels represents a modest but focused initial scale, with plans for expansion already outlined. The dual deployment strategy—tourists via Robobus and residents via Robotaxi—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to market penetration in this new territory.

RAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today announced the launch of Robotaxi GXR and Robobus pilot operations in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA).

This represents WeRide's first deployment in Ras Al Khaimah and its expansion into a third emirate in the UAE. The pilot integrates WeRide's autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Ras Al Khaimah's public transport system, laying the foundation for broader commercialization across the country. As the sole partner selected for the emirate's smart mobility strategy, WeRide is also the first and only AV company with active operations in Ras Al Khaimah.

The launch was marked by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah becoming the first passenger to ride the WeRide Robobus on public roads. He was joined by Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, and H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director General of RAKTA — underlining strong China-UAE collaboration in next-generation transport.

From right: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and Zhang Yiming, Chinese ambassador to the UAE, riding WeRide's Robobus

Starting today, WeRide's Robobus will operate across nine stops on Al Marjan Island, a fast-growing tourism and lifestyle hub in Ras Al Khaimah. Routes will connect hotels, resorts, and landmarks, including the Mövenpick Resort, Hampton by Hilton, and Pullman Hotel, with plans to extend into Mina Island. In parallel, the Robotaxi GXR will serve the city center of Ras Al Khaimah, expanding autonomous mobility beyond tourism areas into the daily lives of residents.

Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in early 2026 as part of RAKTA's public transport system. Passengers will be able to book Robotaxi rides and track Robobus locations via RAKTA's digital mobility app. Services will start with a safety officer onboard, with fully driverless operations planned for a later phase pending regulatory approval.

This launch marks a key milestone in RAKTA’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which aims to integrate multiple transport modes into the existing mobility network while advancing sustainability. As part of this plan, RAKTA is developing a regulatory framework for the autonomous mobility sector in line with international best practices and building local capacity to oversee its implementation.

To strengthen collaboration, WeRide also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RAKTA during the launch ceremony, covering the provision of advanced technical solutions, operational support, and training to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of AVs in Ras Al Khaimah. Signed by H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director General of RAKTA, and Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International of WeRide, the MoU sets the stage for future commercial operations and the broader integration of WeRide's AVs into the emirate's transport network.

The pilot operations and MoU signing follow His Highness Sheikh Saud’s visit to WeRide’s headquarters in Guangzhou last November.

Often called the "Las Vegas of the Middle East", Ras Al Khaimah is accelerating its tourism push, particularly on Al Marjan Island, which will host the Middle East's first casino. Through its partnership with RAKTA, WeRide is supporting Ras Al Khaimah's vision for autonomous transport by enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity, and assisting in the development of protocols and operational standards for the wider deployment of AVs in the city.

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 30 cities across 11 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in seven markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, 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. 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/09188151-bfb3-43f5-9127-13b92aa46725

FAQ

What autonomous vehicles is WeRide (WRD) launching in Ras Al Khaimah?

WeRide is launching two autonomous vehicles: the Robotaxi GXR for city center operations and the Robobus serving nine stops on Al Marjan Island, connecting major hotels and resorts.

When will WeRide's commercial operations begin in Ras Al Khaimah?

WeRide's commercial operations in Ras Al Khaimah are scheduled to begin in early 2026 as part of RAKTA's public transport system.

How can passengers book WeRide's autonomous vehicles in Ras Al Khaimah?

Passengers will be able to book Robotaxi rides and track Robobus locations through RAKTA's digital mobility app.

What is the significance of WeRide's expansion into Ras Al Khaimah?

This expansion marks WeRide's entry into its third UAE emirate and establishes it as the first and only autonomous vehicle company operating in Ras Al Khaimah, supporting the emirate's smart mobility strategy.

Will WeRide's autonomous vehicles operate without drivers in Ras Al Khaimah?

Initially, the vehicles will operate with safety officers onboard, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations in a later phase, pending regulatory approval.