WeRide Secures Robotaxi Trial Permit in Dubai and Wins First Place at Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global autonomous driving technology leader, has secured a significant self-driving vehicle trial permit from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for Robotaxi trials. The company also clinched first place at the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, winning nearly $1 million in prize money.
WeRide's initial Robotaxi GXR service will operate in key Dubai areas, starting with 50 vehicles and expanding to 1,000 vehicles in the Middle East, with plans to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030. Dubai becomes WeRide's 11th global city for Robotaxi deployment. The company plans to begin trials on the Uber platform within 2025, targeting fully driverless commercial operations by 2026.
Additionally, WeRide signed an MoU with RTA for collaboration on the Dubai Autonomous Zone, strengthening its position in the region's autonomous mobility sector.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), leader globale della tecnologia per la guida autonoma, ha ottenuto un significativo permesso di prova per veicoli autonomi dall'Autorità Stradale e dei Trasporti di Dubai (RTA) per i test Robotaxi. L'azienda ha anche conquistato il primo posto al Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, aggiudicandosi quasi 1 milione di dollari di premi.
Il servizio iniziale Robotaxi GXR di WeRide opererà nelle principali zone di Dubai, partendo da 50 veicoli e ampliandosi a 1.000 veicoli nel Medio Oriente, con piani per distribuire decine di migliaia di Robotaxi entro il 2030. Dubai diventa l'11ª città globale per il dispiegamento di Robotaxi di WeRide. L'azienda prevede di iniziare i test sulla piattaforma Uber entro il 2025, puntando a operazioni commerciali completamente prive di conducente entro il 2026.
Inoltre, WeRide ha firmato un MoU con la RTA per una collaborazione sull'Dubai Autonomous Zone, rafforzando la sua posizione nel settore della mobilità autonoma della regione.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), líder global en tecnología de conducción autónoma, ha obtenido un significativo permiso de ensayo de vehículos autónomos de la Autoridad de Carreteras y Transporte de Dubái (RTA) para pruebas de Robotaxi. La empresa también logró el primer lugar en el Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, ganando casi 1 millón de dólares en premios.
El servicio inicial Robotaxi GXR de WeRide operará en áreas clave de Dubái, comenzando con 50 vehículos y ampliándose a 1.000 vehículos en Oriente Medio, con planes de desplegar decenas de miles de Robotaxis para 2030. Dubái se convierte en la 11ª ciudad global de WeRide para el despliegue de Robotaxi. La empresa planea comenzar pruebas en la plataforma Uber dentro de 2025, con miras a operaciones comerciales completamente sin conductor para 2026.
Además, WeRide firmó un memorando de entendimiento con la RTA para colaborar en la Dubai Autonomous Zone, fortaleciendo su posición en el sector de movilidad autónoma de la región.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD)은 글로벌 자율주행 기술 리더로서 두바이 도로교통청(RTA)으로부터 로봇택시 시험을 위한 중요한 자율주행 차량 시범허가를 확보했습니다. 또한 회사는 자율주행 교통 부문 두바이 월드 챌린지에서 1위를 차지해 상금으로 거의 100만 달러를 수상했습니다.
WeRide의 초기 Robotaxi GXR 서비스는 두바이의 주요 지역에서 운영되며 50대의 차량으로 시작해 중동 전역에서 1,000대로 확대하고, 2030년까지 수만 대의 로봇택시를 배치할 계획입니다. 두바이는 WeRide의 로봇택시 배치 11번째 글로벌 도시가 됩니다. 2025년 내 Uber 플랫폼에서 시험을 시작해 2026년까지 완전 무운전 상용 운전을 목표로 합니다.
또한 WeRide는 RTA와 Dubai Autonomous Zone 협력에 대한 양해각서를 체결하여 지역의 자율 모빌리티 부문에서의 입지를 강화했습니다.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), leader mondial de la technologie de conduite autonome, a obtenu une autorisation importante de test de véhicule autonome auprès de la Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) de Dubaï pour les essais Robotaxi. L'entreprise a également remporté la première place au Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, remportant près d'un million de dollars de primes.
Le service Robotaxi GXR initial de WeRide opérera dans les zones clés de Dubaï, en commençant par 50 véhicules et en s'étendant à 1 000 véhicules au Moyen-Orient, avec des plans de déployer des dizaines de milliers de Robotaxis d'ici 2030. Dubaï devient la 11e ville mondiale de WeRide pour le déploiement de Robotaxi. L'entreprise prévoit de débuter des essais sur la plateforme Uber d'ici 2025, visant des opérations commerciales entièrement sans chauffeur d'ici 2026.
De plus, WeRide a signé un MoU avec la RTA pour une collaboration sur la Dubai Autonomous Zone, renforçant sa position dans le secteur de la mobilité autonome de la région.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), weltweiter Führer in der Technologie für autonomes Fahren, hat von der Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) eine bedeutende Zulassung für Selbstfahrzeug-Tests im Robotaxi-Bereich erhalten. Das Unternehmen gewann außerdem den ersten Platz beim Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport und erhielt fast eine Million Dollar Preisgeld.
Der anfängliche Robotaxi-GXR-Service von WeRide wird in Schlüsselsektoren Dubais betrieben, beginnend mit 50 Fahrzeugen und einer Ausweitung auf 1.000 Fahrzeuge im Nahen Osten, mit Plänen, bis 2030 Zehntausende von Robotaxis zu deployen. Dubai wird zur elften globalen Stadt von WeRide für Robotaxi-Einführung. Das Unternehmen plant, noch im Jahr 2025 Tests auf der Uber-Plattform zu starten, mit dem Ziel eines vollständig fahrerlosen kommerziellen Betriebs bis 2026.
Zusätzlich unterzeichnete WeRide ein MoU mit der RTA zur Zusammenarbeit in der Dubai Autonomous Zone und stärkt seine Position im autonomen Mobilitätssektor der Region.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD)، الرائدة عالمياً في تكنولوجيا القيادة الذاتية، قد حصلت على ترخيص اختبار مهم للمركبات ذاتية القيادة من هيئة الطرق وال النقل في دبي (RTA) للاختبارات Robotaxi. كما فازت الشركة بالمركز الأول في Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport، محققة تقريباً مليون دولار من جوائز.
سيعمل خدمة Robotaxi GXR الأولية لـ WeRide في مناطق رئيسية في دبي، بدءاً من 50 مركبة وتوسيعه إلى 1,000 مركبة في الشرق الأوسط، مع خطط لنشر عشرات الآلاف من Robotaxi بحلول 2030. تصبح دبي المدينة العالمية الحادية عشر لـ WeRide في نشر Robotaxi. تخطط الشركة لبدء الاختبارات على منصة Uber خلال 2025، مستهدفة عمليات تجارية بدون سائق بشكل كامل بحلول 2026.
بالإضافة إلى ذلك، وقّعت WeRide مذكرة تفاهم مع RTA للتعاون في Dubai Autonomous Zone، مما يعزز موقعها في قطاع التنقل الذكي في المنطقة.
WeRide（纳斯达克：WRD），全球自动驾驶技术的领导者，已从迪拜交通与道路管理局（RTA）获得一项重要的自主驾驶测试许可，用于 Robotaxi 测试。公司还在迪拜全球无人驾驶挑战赛中夺得冠军，赢得近 100万美元 的奖金。
WeRide 的初始 Robotaxi GXR 服务将在迪拜的关键区域运营，起始 50 辆车，并扩展到中东地区的 1,000 辆，计划到 2030 年部署 数万台 Robotaxi。迪拜成为 WeRide 第 11 座全球 Robotaxi 部署城市。公司计划在 2025 年前在 Uber 平台开展试点，目标在 2026 年实现完全无人驾驶的商业运营。
此外，WeRide 已与 RTA 签署关于 Dubai Autonomous Zone 的合作谅解备忘录，进一步巩固其在该区域自动驾驶出行领域的地位。
- Secured Dubai's self-driving vehicle trial permit for Robotaxi operations
- Won first place and nearly $1 million prize at Dubai World Challenge
- Plans to expand Middle East fleet from 50 to 1,000 vehicles, with tens of thousands by 2030
- Partnership with Uber platform for trials within 2025
- Operating in 11 cities across 5 countries, demonstrating global market penetration
- First company to conduct fully driverless Robotaxi testing outside China and US (in Abu Dhabi)
- Commercial fully driverless operations not starting until 2026
- Initial deployment limited to 50 vehicles in Dubai
Insights
WeRide secures crucial Dubai regulatory approval and $1M award, cementing Middle Eastern expansion with ambitious 10,000+ vehicle deployment plans by 2030.
The Dubai permit represents a significant regulatory milestone for WeRide, making Dubai the 11th city globally and second in the UAE to host their autonomous technology. What's particularly notable is the rapid regulatory progress - from securing road test licenses to trial permits in less than a year, with commercial operations targeting 2026.
The Middle East strategy shows clear scaling intentions - starting with 50 vehicles, expanding to 1,000 regionally, then accelerating to tens of thousands by 2030. This phased approach demonstrates both operational discipline and ambitious growth planning. The initial service area strategically covers both commercial and residential districts, with planned expansion to critical infrastructure including Dubai International Airport.
Winning the Dubai World Challenge (with nearly $1 million in prize money) provides both validation and capital, but the accompanying MoU with the Roads and Transport Authority delivers something potentially more valuable: preferred positioning in Dubai's Autonomous Zone development.
WeRide is systematically building a global footprint across five countries with a particularly strong Middle Eastern presence. The Abu Dhabi fully driverless testing is especially noteworthy as it represents one of the few locations globally outside China and the US with this advanced deployment level. The Uber platform integration within this year creates a clear commercialization pathway, bridging the gap between testing and revenue generation.
The company plans to grow its Middle East fleet to 1,000 vehicles and deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, secured a self-driving vehicle trial permit from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) earlier this month to conduct Robotaxi trials in the city.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, with Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide
The company also won first place at the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, securing almost US
WeRide Robotaxi GXR in Dubai
WeRide's initial Robotaxi GXR trial service will cover core areas including Jumeirah's key commercial districts and the residential communities of Za’abeel First, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim, and Al Safa. Future operations will extend to Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai International Airport, and additional downtown areas.
The rollout will start with 50 Robotaxi GXRs in Dubai, with plans to expand the Middle East fleet to 1,000 vehicles and ultimately deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030. With this permit, Dubai becomes the 11th city worldwide and the second in the UAE to deploy WeRide Robotaxis.
Earlier this year, WeRide obtained the first batch of Dubai road test licenses and has already started testing in the city's core areas. In the next phase, WeRide will commence trials with an on-board safety officer on the Uber platform within the year, with fully driverless commercial operations targeted for 2026.
At DWC, WeRide also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RTA, outlining collaboration on the Dubai Autonomous Zone. The agreement reinforces WeRide's commitment to supporting Dubai's transformation into a global innovation hub for autonomous technology across passenger transport, logistics, and urban mobility.
WeRide continues to be a global leader in autonomous mobility, with Robotaxi testing or operations across 11 cities in five countries — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Ordos, Riyadh, Zurich, Shanghai, and Singapore.
Beyond Dubai, WeRide is conducting fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi, marking the first and only fully driverless Robotaxi testing and soon operation outside of China and the US. This represents a crucial step toward fully unmanned commercial operations and underscores WeRide’s leadership not only in the Middle East but also on the global stage.
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.
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FAQ
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