In a major step toward redefining urban mobility, WeRide has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Uber Technologies to kick off pilot operations of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. This collaboration marks a critical milestone in Dubai’s journey toward becoming a global hub for smart and sustainable transportation.
Under the agreement, the pilot phase of the autonomous vehicle initiative will begin later in 2025, with operations integrated into the Uber app. During the initial stage, vehicles will operate with a safety driver present to ensure smooth and secure deployment while finalizing the groundwork for a fully autonomous rollout. The ultimate goal is to launch a commercial driverless service in 2026.
Preparations for the pilot are already in motion. WeRide and Uber are leading the field deployment, while RTA offers strategic oversight and policy support to ensure the project aligns with the city’s ambitious transportation goals. This three-way collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and safety in the evolving world of mobility.
Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, emphasized the company’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint globally, with the Middle East as a key region. “We are accelerating our international expansion, with the Middle East as a strategic priority,” said Li. “Just last month, we broadened our partnership with Uber to bring robotaxis to 15 more cities over the next five years, including potential locations in this region. Now, through this MoU, we’ve formalized our collaboration with Uber and RTA to introduce autonomous vehicles to Dubai. We are proud to support the city’s forward-thinking vision with our technology and expertise.”
This formal agreement follows an initial announcement made in April 2025, strengthening the alliance between WeRide, Uber, and the RTA. Their shared goal is aligned with Dubai’s Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all transportation trips in the city into autonomous journeys by the year 2030.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, highlighted the significance of the initiative in shaping Dubai’s future. “Introducing autonomous vehicles in Dubai represents a major leap toward building a smart and sustainable mobility system,” Al Tayer said. “It supports our leadership’s vision to make Dubai the world’s smartest city and reflects our commitment to adopting cutting-edge transportation technologies.”
Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Uber, echoed this enthusiasm. “At Uber, we envision a transportation future that is autonomous, electric, and shared,” he noted. “Partnering with RTA and WeRide to bring this vision to life in Dubai reinforces our commitment to expanding access to autonomous vehicles worldwide. We’re excited to launch this initiative in 2025 and offer thousands of riders a glimpse into the future of mobility.”
As Dubai positions itself at the forefront of transportation innovation, this collaboration stands as a testament to what’s possible when technology companies and government authorities come together to reshape how cities move.
