WeRide Inc. (WRD) and Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) announced Thursday the launch of Abu Dhabi's first commercial robotaxi service in the city center, bringing autonomous vehicles to the heart of the emirate for the first time.

This isn't just another suburban test zone. The coverage area includes key landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and major hotels along the Corniche, putting self-driving cars where the action actually happens.

How It Works for Riders

Starting immediately, Uber riders traveling to or from the newly added downtown areas can be matched with a WeRide GXR Robotaxi through UberX or Uber Comfort. You can also book directly using the app's dedicated "Autonomous" option if you want to specifically ride in a self-driving vehicle.

For now, commercial operations include a safety specialist on board as part of a phased rollout toward fully driverless service. Tawasul Transport serves as the primary fleet operator, handling vehicle and fleet management.

Rapid Coverage Expansion

With this downtown expansion, the service now covers about 70% of Abu Dhabi's core areas. That's a significant jump considering the fleet has grown fourfold since operations began just a few months ago in December 2024.

The expansion strengthens urban connectivity and transport access, supporting the UAE's broader smart mobility goals. WeRide isn't exactly new to the region either. The company holds a four-year first-mover edge in Abu Dhabi's autonomous vehicle market, having operated robotaxis in the city since 2021. Currently, WeRide operates more than 200 robotaxis across the Middle East.

The Bigger Picture

This milestone highlights the fast momentum WeRide and Uber are building in the UAE as they scale toward a fleet of thousands of robotaxis across the Middle East.

In February 2026, the two companies disclosed a significant expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across the Middle East, marking one of the largest commercial autonomous mobility rollouts in the region. The deployment will span Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, with completion targeted as soon as 2027.

Price Action: WeRide shares were up 3.31% at $7.80 during premarket trading on Thursday, according to market data. Uber Technologies shares were up 0.58% at $71.42.