Uber users in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, may soon be able to book a ride in a self-driving car. The ride-hailing giant announced on Friday, December 6, that it was partnering with Chinese carmaker WeRide to offer autonomous vehicle rides. To start, the robotaxis will ferry passengers between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, as well as to and from Zayed International Airport, according to a report by CNBC. However, the company clarified that a human driver will still be in the driving seat of each WeRide-manufactured robotaxi in order to “ensure a secure and reliable experience for riders and pedestrians.” For a fully driverless experience, Uber users in Abu Dhabi may have to wait till late 2025. Outside the UAE, the company has an existing autonomous vehicle ride service in the US. Earlier this year, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi revealed that the company is looking to expand its robotaxi offering by partnering with more than a dozen different autonomous vehicle companies. “Our autonomous strategy is working [.] AV partners are clearly understanding the significant value Uber can bring to their deployment plans,” he said in an earnings call. WeRide is a Nasdaq-listed autonomous vehicle developer. Its website claims that the company is authorised to carry out testing and operate its driverless vehicles in Dubai, UAE, as well Singapore, China, and the US.
