In a regional first, autonomous driving leader WeRide has begun trial operations of fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, operating without safety drivers.
The service expansion includes Al Maryah Island, home to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Al Reem Island, complementing existing deployments on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and around Zayed International Airport.
This marks the Middle East’s first truly autonomous taxi deployment, transitioning from supervised pilots to driverless commercial use.
The launch solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a pioneer in autonomous mobility, with WeRide holding the UAE’s first and only national licence for autonomous vehicles.
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“Abu Dhabi has created a regulatory and infrastructure environment that’s become a global magnet for next-gen mobility,” said a company spokesperson.
Key WeRide Highlights:
- No human safety drivers, a first in the region.
- Part of a broader network operated in partnership with Uber, offering access to WeRide vehicles via the Uber app.
- Integrated with the SAVI cluster in Masdar City, making Abu Dhabi home to the company’s Middle East HQ.
- Supported by regulatory work in partnership with local authorities through Abu Dhabi’s Infrastructure, Regulations, and Pilot Acceleration Working Group.
- Commercial rides are expected to begin in summer 2025, subject to final approvals.
This milestone follows four years of AV testing in Abu Dhabi, spearheaded by G42 subsidiary Bayanat, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and WeRide.
The results laid the foundation for the Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster and Abu Dhabi’s national ambitions in intelligent transportation.
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