Uber and WeRide have unveiled autonomous mobility services in Abu Dhabi.
Takeaway Points
- Uber and WeRide unveiled autonomous mobility services in Abu Dhabi.
- The launch represents the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) are available on the Uber platform outside of the United States.
- Tawasul Transport, a leading UAE national transport company, will act as the fleet operator.
What did Uber and WeRide unveil?
WeRide, the world’s first publicly listed Robotaxi company and a global leader in autonomous driving technology, on Friday announced the launch of their ride-hailing partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc., the world’s largest mobility and delivery technology platform, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
According to the report, the launch represents the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) are available on the Uber platform other than the United States, as well as the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China.
Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, said, “We’re thrilled to launch our partnership with WeRide, and receive the support of Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. As we take this next step in Abu Dhabi, we are excited to build on the strength of the Uber platform, helping our partners make autonomous vehicles a part of everyday life.”
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, remarked, “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.”
Which company is supporting the service?
WeRide said that the service is supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and Tawasul Transport, a leading UAE national transport company, will act as the fleet operator.
Availability
Starting today, Uber riders in Abu Dhabi asking for UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a WeRide AV for qualifying trips. The service will be available in key areas, between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future, the company said in a statement.
About Uber
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 52 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.
About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly listed Robotaxi company. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing a vast majority of transportation needs across a wide range of use cases on the open road, including in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide earned a prestigious position among the top ten on Fortune Magazine’s “2023 Change the World” list and was named to Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.
