SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 17, 2025 – A bold new chapter in urban mobility is unfolding in Dubai, as WeRide partners with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Uber to pilot autonomous vehicles later this year. The initiative marks a major step toward Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s smartest city while offering consumers a futuristic ride-hailing experience powered by innovation.
Autonomous Rides Just a Tap Away
Starting in late 2025, riders in Dubai will be able to book autonomous vehicles via the Uber app as part of the pilot program. In this initial phase, vehicles will include a safety driver on board to ensure a smooth transition. These test operations will pave the way for full-scale commercial rollouts of driverless services in 2026.
The collaboration reflects a significant milestone for the three organizations, combining WeRide’s autonomous technology, Uber’s platform reach, and RTA’s smart mobility leadership.
A Vision for Smarter, Greener Transportation
Dubai’s leadership has set a bold goal: making 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030. This pilot project aligns perfectly with that vision, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global leader in smart city innovation.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA, stated, “The introduction of autonomous vehicles in Dubai represents a significant leap toward a smart and sustainable future for mobility, in line with the vision of our leadership to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city. It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which seeks to convert 25% of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips across various transportation modes by 2030. This MoU reinforces Dubai’s global leadership in adopting advanced and sustainable transportation solutions, embracing state-of-the-art technologies, and fostering innovative mobility initiatives.”
Global Collaboration for Local Impact
WeRide, a pioneer in autonomous driving, continues its global expansion with the Middle East now playing a key role in its strategy.
Jennifer Li, CFO and head of international at WeRide, said, “We are accelerating our international expansion, with the Middle East as a strategic priority. Last month, we expanded our partnership with Uber to roll out robotaxis in 15 additional cities over the next five years, with cities in the Middle East under consideration, and now have formalized our collaboration with Uber and the RTA to bring autonomous vehicles to Dubai through this MoU. We are fully aligned with the Dubai government’s ambitious vision to make 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030, and are proud to support this goal with our advanced technology and global experience.”
The signing formalizes WeRide’s partnership with Uber and RTA following the initial announcement in April 2025.
Uber Rides into the Future
For Uber, this pilot further solidifies its future-facing mobility goals. The company aims to combine autonomous driving with electrification and shared mobility to deliver safer, cleaner, and more accessible transportation.
Frans Hiemstra, regional general manager, MEA at Uber, added, “At Uber, we are building the future of transportation, one we see as autonomous, electric and shared. Today we’re thrilled to ink our partnership with RTA to bring autonomous vehicle operations in the UAE by launching in Dubai in 2025, starting with WeRide as our first technology partner. This strategic collaboration anchors our commitment to make autonomous vehicles more accessible to people around the world and we’re excited to bring this experience to thousands of riders in Dubai later this year.”
When and Where You Can Ride
The pilot program will launch in Dubai in the latter half of 2025, with rides bookable directly through the Uber app. Although the vehicles will initially include safety drivers, the full autonomous experience is on track for commercial availability in 2026. Riders can expect convenient, tech-driven, and eco-conscious journeys tailored to the future of urban transportation.
A Smarter, More Connected Ride Is Just Ahead
As this groundbreaking collaboration moves forward, Dubai residents and visitors are about to experience a new era in ride-hailing—one that’s safer, smarter, and more sustainable. With global expertise, advanced autonomous technology, and strong local leadership working in harmony, the future of mobility in Dubai is truly driverless.
Learn more at https://www.weride.ai.