Uber Technologies, and WeRide have made a significant advancement in the field of mobility by announcing a strategic partnership with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA). This collaboration marks a major step toward integrating autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Dubai’s transportation system, with WeRide serving as the inaugural technology partner.
Dubai’s Vision for Autonomous Mobility
Dubai has long been at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in the transportation sector. The city has laid out an ambitious plan under its Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to automate 25% of all trips in Dubai by 2030. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized the significance of this partnership in furthering Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in smart transportation.
“This partnership with Uber, starting with WeRide as the technology partner, represents a crucial step in advancing Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to transform 25% of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips across various transport modes by 2030. This collaboration underscores RTA’s commitment to engaging with global technology leaders and forms part of a series of autonomous mobility trials launched in 2016, which have grown in diversity over the past years,” said Al Tayer.
By joining forces with industry leaders like Uber and WeRide, RTA is demonstrating its willingness to embrace innovative transportation solutions that align with Dubai’s long-term vision for smart cities and sustainable urban mobility.
Uber’s Role in the Partnership
Uber has been an active player in the field of autonomous transportation, working closely with leading AV developers worldwide to integrate self-driving technology into its ride-hailing platform. Through this collaboration with RTA, Uber aims to make AVs an accessible and reliable transportation option for Dubai’s residents and visitors.
Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “We’re thrilled to be working with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority to bring autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, starting with our technology partner WeRide. At Uber, we’re building the future of transportation, working with the world’s leading autonomous vehicle developers to help commercialize and deploy this technology at scale around the world.”
As part of the agreement, Uber and RTA will collaborate on pilot programs that will leverage Uber’s advanced technology to match riders with AVs. The initiative aims to ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience for passengers while also exploring data insights, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks to support the smooth adoption of autonomous mobility in Dubai.
WeRide’s Contribution to Autonomous Driving in Dubai
WeRide has established itself as a leader in autonomous driving technology and has played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of self-driving transportation. The company became the first AV provider to secure a national license for self-driving vehicles on public roads in the UAE in July 2023. Building on this achievement, WeRide successfully launched its AVs for commercial use on Uber’s platform in Abu Dhabi in December 2024.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, highlighted the significance of expanding operations in the UAE: “Dubai marks a natural step forward in our commitment to advancing mobility in the Middle East as well as our continued global expansion. We believe our advanced autonomous driving technology and operational experience combined with Uber’s powerful global mobility platform will help us serve millions of consumers in cities around the world.”
With the Dubai launch, WeRide is poised to continue its growth and enhance its reputation as a pioneer in the AV industry. The partnership with Uber not only strengthens WeRide’s presence in the Middle East but also aligns with Dubai’s broader transportation goals.
What This Means for Dubai’s Residents and Visitors
The introduction of autonomous vehicles into Dubai’s transportation ecosystem promises several benefits for the city’s residents and visitors:
- Enhanced Safety: AVs are equipped with advanced sensors and AI-driven decision-making systems that reduce the likelihood of human errors, making roads safer for all users.
- Increased Efficiency: By leveraging real-time traffic data, AVs can optimize routes, reducing congestion and improving travel times.
- Sustainability: Many AVs operate on electric power, contributing to Dubai’s sustainability efforts and reducing carbon emissions.
- Improved Accessibility: AV technology can provide greater mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities or those who have difficulty accessing traditional transportation options.
As the project moves forward, Uber, WeRide, and RTA will work closely to address potential challenges, such as regulatory compliance, public acceptance, and technological advancements needed for full-scale deployment.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles in Dubai
Dubai’s efforts to integrate autonomous vehicles are part of a larger vision to become a global hub for smart transportation. The city has already demonstrated success with various AV initiatives, including autonomous shuttles, self-driving taxis, and trials of pilot programs across different transport sectors.
More details about the next steps in the Uber-WeRide-RTA partnership, including specific launch dates, operational details, and expansion plans, will be announced in the coming months. This partnership is expected to serve as a model for other cities looking to implement autonomous mobility solutions at scale.
Uber
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. The company was founded in 2010 with the goal of providing ride access at the touch of a button. Today, Uber has facilitated over 58 billion trips and continues to develop innovative solutions that redefine urban transportation. By changing how people, food, and goods move through cities, Uber is enabling new possibilities and shaping the future of mobility.
WeRide
WeRide is a global leader in autonomous driving technology and was the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. The company operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries and holds driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the United States. Powered by the WeRide One platform, the company provides autonomous driving solutions from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in mobility, logistics, and sanitation. WeRide was recognized on Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list for its contributions to the AV industry.
The partnership between Uber, WeRide, and Dubai’s RTA marks a transformative milestone in the evolution of autonomous mobility. With Dubai’s ambitious self-driving strategy, Uber’s global expertise, and WeRide’s cutting-edge technology, this collaboration is set to redefine urban transportation and pave the way for a future where autonomous vehicles are a fundamental part of daily life. As Dubai continues to embrace innovation, it solidifies its position as a leading city in the future of mobility.
