WeRide and Uber to Deploy 1,200 Robotaxis in the Middle East
MWN-AI** Summary
WeRide, a pioneering company in autonomous driving technology based in China, and Uber Technologies, Inc., have announced an ambitious plan to deploy 1,200 Robotaxis across key cities in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. This strategic partnership aims for completion by 2027, marking what is touted as the largest Robotaxi commercial initiative in the MENA region. The Robotaxi fleet will be integrated within the Uber app, enhancing existing driverless services already operational in certain areas.
Dr. Tony Han, CEO of WeRide, highlighted that this expansion aligns with their vision to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis worldwide over the next five years, benefitting from supportive regulatory environments and partnerships that promote safe and convenient mobility. Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, Sarfraz Maredia, acknowledged the success of their prior deployments, emphasizing the importance of this expansion in introducing more users to autonomous transport solutions.
Currently, WeRide operates over 200 Robotaxis in the region, achieving a robust number of daily trips in Abu Dhabi, suggesting a promising trajectory toward breakeven unit economics. This new rollout signals WeRide’s strengthened position in the autonomous mobility market as they seek to establish a wider infrastructure of Robotaxi services across more cities, targeting 15 by 2030 under their collaboration agreement.
Overall, this partnership exemplifies a significant push toward autonomous transportation, with WeRide and Uber aiming to reshape urban mobility in the Middle East while addressing logistics, safety, and environmental considerations in the evolving landscape of transportation.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The strategic partnership between WeRide and Uber to deploy 1,200 Robotaxis in the Middle East marks a pivotal moment in the autonomous mobility sector, presenting a compelling opportunity for investors. As both companies expand their footprint across significant urban centers like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, their collaborative efforts signal a commitment to innovate within the rapidly evolving transport landscape.
From a market perspective, WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) appears well-positioned to capture substantial market share in the burgeoning Robotaxi segment. With over 200 existing Robotaxis in operation and the expectation of achieving breakeven unit economics in Abu Dhabi, the company demonstrates robust operational viability. Furthermore, being the first publicly traded Robotaxi firm enhances its appeal to investors seeking exposure to the autonomous driving market.
Uber (NYSE: UBER) also stands to benefit from this expansion, leveraging its extensive network and established brand to broaden its autonomous service offerings. The successful completion of this deployment by 2027 could further solidify Uber's reputation as a leader in mobility solutions, providing a boost to its long-term valuation.
Investors should consider the broader implications of this partnership. The Middle East represents an under-tapped market for autonomous technologies, with regulatory frameworks evolving favorably to support such initiatives. The projected rollout of more Robotaxis across an additional 12 cities by 2030 speaks to the significant growth potential that could yield attractive returns.
It’s crucial to monitor performance milestones and regulatory developments in these markets, as these factors will play a pivotal role in the success of the deployment. As the landscape for autonomous mobility continues to shift, both WeRide and Uber are set to influence the future of urban transportation significantly. Therefore, they merit close attention for those looking to capitalize on the dynamic evolution of this industry.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news 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: pr@weride.ai
Uber: press@uber.com
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
FAQ**
How will the expansion of Uber Technologies Inc. UBER's partnership with WeRide impact autonomous vehicle regulations in major cities like San Francisco and Guangzhou?
What potential challenges could arise for Uber Technologies Inc. UBER in implementing Robotaxi services in urban environments like San Francisco and Guangzhou, especially regarding local regulations?
How does the performance of existing Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi and other cities influence Uber Technologies Inc. UBER's growth strategy for markets like San Francisco and Guangzhou?
In what ways can WeRide's technology benefit Uber Technologies Inc. UBER in enhancing autonomous mobility solutions in cities like San Francisco and Guangzhou by 2030?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about WildHorse Resource Development Corporation (NASDAQ: WRD).
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