Uber, WeRide Bring Self-Driving Taxis to Abu Dhabi

Uber and Chinese self-driving taxi company WeRide have confirmed the launch of their ride-hailing partnership in Abu Dhabi.

The start of the service follows the announcement in September that the pair would be joining forces to roll out robotaxis in the United Arab Emirates.

It represents something of a breakthrough moment, marking the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been made available on Uber outside of the United States. The partners also claim the Abu Dhabi operation is the largest commercial self-driving taxi service outside the U.S. and China.

As has become the norm when a new robotaxi service is launched, it will increase in scope gradually.

Initially, despite their self-driving capability, all WeRide vehicles on the fleet will come accompanied by human safety operators. Their role will be to ensure the cars drive safely, and step in if any problems arise. A full driverless service is planned for 2025.

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The operational area will also be limited at first, incorporating Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and routes to and from Zayed International Airport. But longer term, the intention is to expand this.

There will be support from the Emirate’s Integrated Transport Centre, as Abu Dhabi drivers get accustomed to having AVs on their roads, while the Uber/WeRide fleet will be managed by Tawasul Transport, a local transportation company. It is not yet clear how many self-driving taxis will be on the road initially.

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

The user experience for Uber customers will not be significantly changed. Riders who request an UberX or UberComfort vehicle will potentially be matched with one of the WeRide self-driving taxis and are being urged to opt in to the service on the preferences section of the Uber app.

Bearing in mind some of the negative headlines that have surrounded self-driving taxis in the U.S. over the past 12 months or so, WeRide is keen to ensure Uber riders have no concerns over traveling in an AV.

Jennifer Li, head of international business, said: “WeRide prioritizes passenger and pedestrian safety through rigorously validated autonomous driving technology. As the first publicly listed Robotaxi company, WeRide has demonstrated its commitment to safety through over 1,800 days of public operational experience, setting new benchmarks for autonomous vehicle performance.”

The WeRide collaboration is one of several that Uber has arranged in the AV space in recent months. In the U.S. it has confirmed it will use Waymo robotaxis in Atlanta and Austin next year, plus cabs from General Motors’ AV subsidiary, Cruise and, in Dallas, from AVride.

Related:Uber, Waymo to Roll Out Self-Driving Taxis in Austin, Atlanta in 2025

It is also working with Chinese giant BYD to develop self-driving taxis for the platform, and U.K. AI specialist Wayve.