WeRide and Uber Begin First Commercial Robotaxi Service in Downtown Abu Dhabi
MWN-AI** Summary
On February 12, 2026, WeRide and Uber launched their first commercial Robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone as the Emirate's inaugural autonomous vehicle deployment in its city center. The expanded service now covers about 70% of Abu Dhabi's core areas, including key locations such as Khalifa City, Masdar City, and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque along Corniche Road. The service has seen substantial growth since its initial launch in December 2024, with the fleet increasing fourfold.
Riders can now select WeRide's Robotaxi GXR through the Uber app using either the UberX or Uber Comfort options or directly via a dedicated "Autonomous" selection. This phased rollout still involves a vehicle specialist onboard, paving the way towards fully driverless operations in the future. The main fleet operator, Tawasul Transport, plays a crucial role in managing the vehicles on the Uber platform, enhancing urban connectivity and supporting the UAE’s smart mobility vision.
The service not only connects major tourist attractions but also contributes to Abu Dhabi's growth as a tourism hub, which saw a 27% year-on-year increase in international visitors by 2024. As part of their long-term strategy, WeRide and Uber plan to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East by 2027, including expansions into Dubai and Riyadh.
With more than 200 Robotaxis currently operating in the region, WeRide maintains a leading position in autonomous vehicle technology and holds the world’s first city-level fully driverless Robotaxi permit outside the U.S. This development emphasizes the companies' commitment to advancements in transportation and their goal of providing efficient and accessible ride-hailing services.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent launch of the WeRide and Uber Robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi signifies a remarkable advancement in the autonomous vehicle sector and presents significant implications for investors. This initiative, which connects iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with key residential areas, has potential to enhance tourism and urban transport efficiency.
With WeRide holding a first-mover advantage in the UAE and having conducted Robotaxi operations since 2021, it remains well-positioned in a rapidly evolving market. The new routes cover roughly 70% of Abu Dhabi's core areas, reflecting a robust network expansion that aligns well with Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility vision. Investors should take note of WeRide's strong momentum, expanding passenger base, and partnerships that reinforce market credibility.
Furthermore, as WeRide and Uber scale their operations to deploy an estimated 1,200 Robotaxis in additional regions by 2027, this expansion underlines the companies' strategic alignment with emerging trends in urban logistics and autonomous transportation. The partnership with Tawasul Transport for fleet management also serves as a critical component, allowing for operational sustainability in meeting increasing demand.
However, caution is advisable. The autonomous vehicle market is fraught with regulatory challenges and market competition, particularly in the Middle East, where other companies are vying for a share. Investors should closely monitor WeRide's performance metrics, operational safety records, and regulatory progress, particularly in securing permits necessary for expansion into additional urban areas.
In summary, while the collaboration between WeRide and Uber presents an attractive investment opportunity, assessing the associated risks while capitalizing on the growth potential will be crucial. Maintaining a diversified portfolio while considering exposure to innovative transportation solutions may yield favorable long-term returns.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
- Robotaxi public operations have commenced with routes between Corniche Road and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as in Khalifa City, Masdar City, and Rabdan
- Expanded service endorsed by Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER), have launched the first commercial Robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi – marking the Emirate's first autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment in its city center. With this latest downtown expansion, the WeRide-Uber service now reaches approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi's core areas, with the fleet quadrupling in size since starting operations in December 2024.
The newly expanded service operates across Khalifa City, Masdar City, Rabdan, and routes between Corniche Road and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Within the coverage area are major landmarks such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and popular hotels along Corniche Road, including Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences; InterContinental Abu Dhabi by IHG; Edition Hotel, Abu Dhabi; Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi; and Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche.
WeRide's Robotaxi GXR at Grand Mosque, downtown Abu Dhabi
Starting today, riders using the Uber platform and travelling to or from the new areas may be matched with a WeRide Robotaxi GXR through UberX or Uber Comfort, and can also choose to book directly via the dedicated “Autonomous” option on the app. Public commercial operations are now underway with a vehicle specialist on-board, as part of a phased approach towards fully driverless operations. Tawasul Transport, a leading UAE national transport company, is the main fleet operator for WeRide vehicles on the Uber platform, providing fleet management services.
This expansion enhances urban connectivity, improves transport accessibility, and supports the UAE’s broader smart mobility vision. Previously, the service covered about half of Abu Dhabi’s core areas, including Al Reem, Al Maryah, Yas, and Saadiyat, as well as highway routes to and from Zayed International Airport. WeRide now has over 200 Robotaxis in the Middle East.
WeRide's Robotaxi GXR on Corniche Road, downtown Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was named the top attraction in the Middle East in 2025, and a popular tourist destination on the Uber app. The expanded WeRide-Uber Robotaxi service supports Abu Dhabi’s growth as a tourism hub, with hotels across the Emirate receiving 4.8?million guests as of 2024 – a 27% year-on-year increase in international visitors. By connecting this high-demand hotel and tourism corridor with other parts of Abu Dhabi, the service highlights ITC’s confidence in the partners' ability to operate safely in complex urban environments.
This development highlights WeRide and Uber's rapid progress in the UAE, as they work to scale their Middle East operations to thousands of Robotaxis over the coming years. In February 2026, both companies committed to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East as soon as 2027, spanning Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh.
In November 2025, WeRide and Uber launched the Middle East's first Level 4 fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations in Abu Dhabi, which started with Yas Island. The launch was enabled by WeRide's Robotaxi securing the world’s first city-level fully driverless Robotaxi permit outside the US in October 2025.
WeRide Robotaxi on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
WeRide maintains a 4-year first mover advantage in autonomous vehicle deployment in Abu Dhabi, having operated Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi since 2021. In 2023, it became the first company in the UAE to receive a national license covering all types of self-driving vehicles, authorizing autonomous testing and operation on public roads across the country, subject to emirate-level approvals. In December 2024, WeRide and Uber launched their Robotaxi ride-hailing partnership in Abu Dhabi – the largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the US and China.
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 Contact
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Media Contact
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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.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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FAQ**
How does the partnership between WeRide and Uber, particularly with WildHorse Resource Development Corporation (WRD) on board, influence the strategic deployment of Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi's core areas?
What impact is the expanded Robotaxi service, offered by WeRide and Uber, expected to have on tourism in Abu Dhabi, especially near landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and hotels associated with WildHorse Resource Development Corporation (WRD)?
Considering the rapid scaling plans for Robotaxis in the Middle East, including the involvement of WildHorse Resource Development Corporation (WRD), what challenges do WeRide and Uber foresee in achieving their target of deploying over 1,200 vehicles?
How does the significant four-year first mover advantage of WeRide, in partnership with WildHorse Resource Development Corporation (WRD), position them against competitors in the autonomous vehicle market in the UAE?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about WildHorse Resource Development Corporation (NASDAQ: WRD).
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