Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a pilot public Robotaxi service through the Uber app, in partnership with WeRide and Uber Technologies. The service began operations today.
“WeRide Robotaxi vehicles booked through the Uber app will be available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai’s most prominent areas located near public beaches. Members of the public across all segments of the community can book a WeRide Robotaxi through the Uber app by selecting the ‘Autonomous’ service option,” Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at RTA said in a statement.
The launch follows a joint pilot programme between RTA and WeRide. The partnership was announced in April 2025 and has undergone testing to prepare for autonomous mobility solutions.
WeRide Robotaxis begin operations in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah areas
“[The programme] has undergone successive testing to ensure a smooth transition towards autonomous mobility solutions. The service is currently operating with a specialist driver on board to ensure a safe and reliable experience, paving the way for a fully driverless service in early 2026,” he added.
“Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide. We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by 2030. We are pleased to partner with forward-thinking regulators like RTA, who share a similarly bold commitment to advancing autonomous mobility, and with Uber, whose global platform will help accelerate the adoption of driverless transportation,” Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide further explained.
WeRide operates about 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, including more than 100 Robotaxis.
Robotaxi service launches in Dubai as city targets 25% autonomous journeys by 2030
“As the world’s largest hybrid network of human drivers and AVs, Uber is building the future of transportation, and we are thrilled by the pace of autonomous adoption in the UAE and the Middle East. This launch in Dubai is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the UAE’s vision for the future of mobility and contributes directly to Dubai’s goal of achieving 25% autonomous journeys by 2030,” Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous at Uber added.
Dubai’s population has exceeded 4 million residents, driving higher mobility demand and increasing reliance on shared mobility and app-based ride-hailing services.
In 2024, Dubai’s transport network recorded more than 153 million trips across public transport, taxis, and shared mobility, which includes app-based vehicle-booking services. Demand for shared mobility rose by 28 per cent compared with 2023.
The launch aligns with Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy and reinforces Dubai’s role in smart mobility. WeRide and Uber plan to expand their operations in the region, with the aim of deploying thousands of autonomous vehicles in the coming years.
