WeRide and Uber to Deploy 1,200 Robotaxis in the Middle East

The two companies will expand their strategic partnership to bring autonomous vehicles to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh by 2027.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies, Inc. have announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East by 2027. The deployment will span Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, building on the companies' existing fully driverless commercial Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger operations in Dubai and Riyadh.

Why it matters

This partnership represents the largest Robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region to date, accelerating the adoption of autonomous mobility in the Middle East. It also highlights the growing momentum behind Robotaxi services globally, as cities and regulators work to enable this new transportation option.

The details

All 1,200 Robotaxis will be available through the Uber app in the three markets, with the fleet scaled up progressively as key regulatory approvals and performance milestones are met. This includes the launch of fully driverless commercial operations covering the core areas of each city. WeRide will provide the autonomous driving technology, while Uber or local third-party partners will be responsible for fleet operations.

  • The deployment is expected to be completed as soon as 2027.
  • 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 players

WeRide

A global leader in autonomous driving technology and the first publicly traded Robotaxi company.

Uber Technologies, Inc.

A ride-hailing and delivery company with a mission to create opportunity through movement.

Dr. Tony Han

Founder and CEO of WeRide.

Sarfraz Maredia

Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide (GlobeNewswire)

“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.”

— Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber (GlobeNewswire)

What’s next

WeRide and Uber plan to expand their Robotaxi partnership to 12 more cities in the Middle East by 2030, building on the initial deployment in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh.

The takeaway

This landmark partnership between WeRide and Uber demonstrates the growing adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in the Middle East, as cities and regulators work to enable this new transportation option and provide residents with safe, convenient, and sustainable mobility solutions.