ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800.HK), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) have announced the launch of Level 4 fully driverless Robotaxi commercial operations in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This milestone marks the first deployment of fully autonomous taxi services in the Middle East and the first city outside the United States to offer such operations on the Uber platform. The launch is made possible through a strategic partnership between WeRide and Uber, combining WeRide’s advanced autonomous driving technology with Uber’s extensive ride-hailing network and global infrastructure. The driverless Robotaxis are operating in designated zones across Abu Dhabi, providing on-demand transportation to passengers without the need for a human safety driver behind the wheel. This initiative is supported by the Abu Dhabi government, which has been actively fostering innovation in smart mobility and autonomous technologies. The city’s regulatory framework and investment in smart infrastructure have created a favorable environment for testing and scaling cutting-edge transportation solutions. WeRide’s autonomous vehicles are equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras, along with proprietary AI algorithms that enable real-time decision-making and safe navigation in complex urban environments. The company has been testing its technology in multiple global markets and has accumulated millions of miles of autonomous driving data. Uber’s integration of WeRide’s driverless fleet into its platform allows users to book fully autonomous rides through the Uber app, marking a significant step toward the future of urban mobility. The service is currently available to a select group of riders as part of a phased rollout, with plans to expand coverage and vehicle capacity in the coming months. The launch underscores the growing momentum behind autonomous transportation and positions Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation in smart cities and next-generation mobility. As cities worldwide seek sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for the commercialization of driverless technology in emerging markets.