Uber and WeRide have begun deploying fully driverless vehicles as part of their robotaxi service in the United Arab Emirates. Customers in Abu Dhabi who request an UberX or Uber Comfort may find themselves matched with a fully autonomous WeRide vehicle, provided the requested route falls within the company’s designated service area.
The collaboration between Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle operator WeRide started with a pilot program that included safety drivers back in December 2024. At that time, the companies expressed plans to phase out safety drivers within the following year.
Currently, these fully autonomous vehicles operate only in select areas of Yas Island, which spans approximately 12 square miles and is a notable tourist hub in Abu Dhabi. Uber and WeRide have indicated intentions to gradually expand the regions where fully driverless services are available. Customers wishing to ride in a driverless vehicle can select the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app, potentially increasing their chances of being matched with such a vehicle.
As the deployment process evolves, the implications for rider safety and the overall effectiveness of fully autonomous vehicles in urban environments remain subjects of ongoing interest and scrutiny.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/828685/uber-weride-robotaxi-fully-driverless-uae