WeRide and Uber Accelerate Robotaxi Expansion in the Middle East, Targeting 1,200 Vehicles by 2027

On February 6, WeRide and Uber announced an upgraded strategic partnership, planning to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across the Middle East by 2027, covering Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. All vehicles will be integrated into the Uber app to offer autonomous ride-hailing services to the public. The two companies have already launched fully driverless commercial operations in Abu Dhabi and opened public services in Dubai and Riyadh. This collaboration accelerates the implementation of their “15 Cities in Five Years” expansion plan announced in 2025; three cities are already live, with the remaining 12 scheduled to launch by 2030. Adopting an asset-light model, WeRide focuses on providing autonomous driving technology, while Uber or local partners handle operations. To date, WeRide has deployed over 200 robotaxis in the Middle East, with each vehicle in Abu Dhabi completing dozens of rides per day on average, and its regional subsidiary achieving profitability in 2025.