Uber and WeRide Lead Dubai’s Push Toward Smart Mobility
Dubai is gearing up for a major leap into autonomous transportation as Uber and WeRide prepare to launch trial runs of self-driving vehicles later this year. These initial operations will include safety drivers behind the wheel, setting the stage for a full commercial launch of driverless services by 2026.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has teamed up with Uber Technologies and WeRide through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The pilot service will run via the Uber app, marking a significant step toward Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest city.
Smart City Vision Drives Innovation
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA’s Board of Executive Directors, emphasized that introducing autonomous vehicles aligns with Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The initiative aims to convert 25% of all mobility journeys into autonomous trips by 2030, supporting sustainability and innovation across transport modes.
Mapping Dubai: The First Phase Begins
In May, RTA confirmed plans to deploy over 60 specialized vehicles to conduct road mapping, data collection, and route scanning across 65 zones in the emirate. These efforts will lay the groundwork for safe and efficient autonomous mobility operations.
Uber Commits to a Driverless Future
Frans Hiemstra, Uber’s Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, described the partnership with WeRide and Dubai’s RTA as a crucial move toward an “autonomous, electric, and shared” transport ecosystem. He expressed excitement over making self-driving technology accessible to thousands of riders in Dubai later this year.
In a related development, Uber and WeRide previously launched autonomous taxi trials in Abu Dhabi. Users can increase their chances of experiencing these vehicles by adjusting the Ride Preferences in the Uber app.
WeRide Expands Across the Middle East
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, highlighted the company’s strategic focus on the Middle East. In May, WeRide and Uber announced plans to roll out Robotaxis in 15 additional cities over the next five years, with several Middle Eastern cities under consideration.
Li confirmed the formalization of the Uber-WeRide partnership through the Dubai MoU, reinforcing their shared vision of bringing autonomous technology to the region.
