Uber to Offer Chinese Self-Driving Taxis in Abu Dhabi Later This Year

Uber’s escalating interest in autonomous vehicles has taken another interesting twist, following the agreement of a deal with China’s WeRide.

The newly announced strategic partnership will see the Guangzhou-based company’s self-driving taxis brought onto the right-hailing giant’s platform, starting in the United Arab Emirates.

The first of the Emirates to benefit is set to be Abu Dhabi, with the service planned for launch later this year.

Uber confirmed that a “dedicated number” of WeRide robotaxis will be introduced and consumers could potentially be offered the use of one when requesting a ride via the app. 

If they prefer not to opt for one of the autonomous vehicles (AVs), they will be offered a vehicle with a driver instead.

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WeRide has already established a notable presence in the UAE, having been granted a landmark license to operate there in 2023. The permit allows the company to run vehicles with Level 4 automation countrywide – the first in the world to have such an extensive reach.

Level 4 is defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers as when a vehicle drives itself in a specific location.

Significantly, though, while press materials published to announce the new agreement revealed the relationship would begin in the UAE, they also clarified that “the partnership does not contemplate any launches in the United States or China.” 

Related:WeRide Gets National Self-Driving License From UAE

That’s probably not a surprise given the current chilly relations between the two countries, particularly on the automotive front, where President Biden has just revealed proposals to ban sales and imports of connected and self-driving cars with specific China-developed software and hardware.

The UAE deal was hailed by Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, who said: “We are honored to partner with Uber to continue to bring our technology to global markets. Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much-needed, affordable, sustainable and safe mobility solutions to a global audience.”

Although based in China, the company wants to go public in the United States, although its IPO has been delayed. 

For Uber, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said: “It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies like WeRide to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.”

The deal is the latest in a series of AV-flavored partnerships formed by Uber in recent months. 

Related:US Moves to Ban Chinese Tech From Connected, Self-Driving Cars

Earlier in September it confirmed that Waymo self-driving taxis will be offered to riders in Atlanta and Austin next year, and this followed a similar announcement in August that autonomous taxis from General Motors’ Cruise would also be used on Uber next year. 

In addition, it has paired with Chinese automaker BYD to develop AVs for use on Uber and the U.K.’s Wayve to work on AI solutions for automakers.