WeRide and Uber announce deployment of 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East by 2027, enhancing autonomous mobility services.
Quiver AI Summary
WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber have announced a significant expansion of their partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East, specifically in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, with completion expected by 2027. This initiative builds on their existing Robotaxi operations and aims to enhance mobility services in the region, progressing towards fully driverless commercial operations as regulations and milestones are met. WeRide's CEO, Dr. Tony Han, highlighted the commitment as the largest Robotaxi commercial initiative in the MENA region, while Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility, Sarfraz Maredia, emphasized the growth potential stemming from their previous successful deployments. The rollout follows an asset-light model, where Uber and local partners will handle fleet operations, and WeRide currently operates over 200 Robotaxis in the area.
Potential Positives
- WeRide and Uber's announcement of deploying at least 1,200 Robotaxis significantly expands their presence in the Middle East, positioning WeRide as a leader in the growing autonomous mobility market.
- The expected completion of the rollout by 2027 highlights WeRide's ambitious growth strategy and commitment to scaling operations in the region, which is set to drive further technological advancements and consumer adoption.
- The announcement marks the largest Robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region, showcasing WeRide's strong partnership with Uber and reinforcing its status as a first mover in the autonomous driving industry.
- WeRide's operational success in Abu Dhabi, with the service averaging dozens of daily trips per Robotaxi and on track to achieve breakeven unit economics, demonstrates the viability of its business model and supports future expansions.
Potential Negatives
- The reliance on regulatory approvals and performance milestones for the rollout of the Robotaxi fleet suggests potential delays or obstacles that could hinder the expansion plans.
- While the announcement highlights plans for significant fleet growth, it does not address current operational challenges or competition in the autonomous driving market, which could pose risks to achieving projected goals.
- The asset-light operating model may imply a lack of direct control over fleet operations, potentially affecting service consistency and quality in the new markets.
FAQ
What is WeRide's new partnership with Uber about?
WeRide and Uber are expanding their partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East by 2027.
How many cities will the Robotaxis operate in?
The Robotaxis will operate in three cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, with plans to expand to more cities by 2030.
When is the expected completion date for the Robotaxi deployment?
The deployment of the Robotaxis is expected to be completed as soon as 2027.
What is the significance of this Robotaxi expansion?
This expansion marks the largest Robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region, accelerating WeRide's growth in autonomous mobility.
How many Robotaxis are currently in operation in the region?
WeRide currently operates more than 200 Robotaxis in the region with plans for substantial fleet growth.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
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Full Release
SAN FRANCISCO and GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) today announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East. The deployment, which will span Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, is expected to be completed as soon as 2027 .
WeRide and Uber's Robotaxi fleet in Abu Dhabi
All 1,200 Robotaxis will be available through the Uber app in the three markets, following existing fully driverless commercial Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger operations in Dubai and Riyadh . The fleet will be scaled up progressively, with Uber committed to adding more Robotaxis as key regulatory approvals and performance milestones are met, including the launch of fully driverless commercial operations covering the core areas of each city.
"Today’s announcement marks the largest Robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region. Supported by our existing fleet, bold regulators, and partners like Uber who share our ambition for safe and convenient mobility, this commitment accelerates our regional expansion and is a key part of our vision of tens of thousands of Robotaxis globally in the next five years," said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide.
"This expansion with WeRide is an exciting moment for Uber and the Middle East. It is a testament to the strong performance of our existing deployments together, and we look forward to building on that momentum as we introduce more riders to autonomous mobility,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber .
With this expanded deployment, WeRide and Uber now operate Robotaxis in three of the 15 cities outlined under their previous agreement , with another 12 cities to come by 2030. The rollout follows WeRide’s asset-light operating model, with Uber or local third-party partners responsible for fleet operations. WeRide currently has more than 200 Robotaxis in the region.
In Abu Dhabi, the WeRide-Uber Robotaxi service is averaging dozens of daily trips per Robotaxi and is on track to achieve breakeven unit economics. Expanding the fleet to 1,200 Robotaxis will further strengthen WeRide’s position as a leading provider of commercial Robotaxi services in the Middle East, supported by a growing ecosystem of partners, and help to drive the region’s transition to fully autonomous urban mobility.
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 40 cities across 11 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in eight markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Switzerland, 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.
About Uber
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 72 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.
Media Contacts
WeRide: [email protected]
Uber: [email protected]
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 and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 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.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f99cb47-e51a-457c-b653-bb18593a8256