Uber, in collaboration with the Chinese autonomous vehicle firm WeRide, has introduced driverless robotaxi services in Dubai, representing a significant step in their Middle Eastern expansion. Using the Uber app, users can now summon these autonomous vehicles across various commercial and industrial locations, including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Investment Park Second, and the Al Hamriya Port, as well as in suburban areas.
Initially launched in December as a pilot project, the robotaxi service operated with a human safety operator present and was free of charge for riders. However, following the acquisition of a driverless vehicle trial permit from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority last month, the companies have progressed to fully driverless operations.
This move enhances WeRide’s presence in the region and highlights Uber’s ongoing investment in the company. Currently, Uber has a 5.82% stake in WeRide, valued at approximately $150 million based on recent stock prices. Last year, Uber invested $100 million in WeRide, further cementing their partnership. Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s global head of autonomous mobility, remarked that the launch signifies a monumental achievement in making autonomous transportation a reality on a global scale. Maredia reaffirmed Uber’s commitment to the UAE, aiming for a collaborative future where human drivers and autonomous vehicles coexist to create a robust transport network.
In a bid to expand their collaboration, Uber has increased its investment in WeRide, targeting the introduction of robotaxi services in an additional 15 cities over the next five years, with plans to extend beyond Dubai to locations in Europe as well. The operational model mirrors Uber’s arrangement with Waymo, where Uber manages network routing and fleet operation while WeRide focuses on the autonomous vehicle technology.
Despite previous inaccuracies around Uber’s stake in WeRide noted in earlier reports, the details of their partnership underscore a significant commitment to advancing autonomous transportation in urban environments.
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