Photo Credit: WeRide Robotaxi
Abu Dhabi has taken a major leap into the future of transport, becoming the first city outside the United States to offer fully driverless rides through the Uber app.
WeRide and Uber have officially launched the Middle East’s first Level 4 autonomous Robotaxi commercial service, allowing residents and visitors to book rides without a driver or safety operator onboard. The rollout marks a new milestone in the UAE’s ambition to build smart, tech-driven cities.
How the service works
Public operations have begun on Yas Island, where users can now book autonomous trips through Uber Comfort, UberX, or the newly added “autonomous” option. The feature has already appeared on Uber’s app, with the service available daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
This integration makes Abu Dhabi the first global market where Uber has introduced full driverless rides on its platform.
Expanding across the capital
The partnership between WeRide and Uber was first announced in late 2024 and has since grown into the largest commercial Robotaxi deployment outside the US and China. In July 2025, the service expanded to cover nearly half of Abu Dhabi’s core districts, including Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island.
More areas within the capital are expected to come online by the end of 2025. WeRide currently operates a fleet of over 100 Robotaxis across the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi serving as its main hub for autonomous mobility.
What riders can expect
For passengers, the launch means a more convenient and futuristic travel experience. Rides are fully autonomous, offering smooth point-to-point transport on busy routes such as Yas Island. With no human driver involved, the service promises reduced wait times, consistent performance and a glimpse into the next generation of smart mobility.
The technology is also expected to support safer, more efficient travel during peak hours and at major entertainment destinations.
Safety first
The rollout follows extensive testing and regulatory approvals. Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) granted the world’s first city-level permit for fully driverless Robotaxi operations, following federal approval and a series of rigorous safety trials.
WeRide has been trialling autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi since 2021 and continues to work closely with authorities as the service scales across the city.
As the UAE pushes ahead with its mobility ambitions, Abu Dhabi’s driverless Robotaxi network is set to become a defining feature of its transport landscape — and a model for smart cities worldwide.
