Dubai's robotaxi launch became reality on December 12, 2025, when WeRide and Uber began offering fully autonomous passenger rides on the Uber app across Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim — two of Dubai's most popular coastal districts. The same week, real estate newcomer Sanzen unveiled its first two UAE developments at a high-profile pre-launch event drawing hundreds of brokers and investors.
Dubai Robotaxi Launch: WeRide and Uber Begin Autonomous Rides
The Dubai robotaxi launch followed months of supervised testing under a joint pilot programme between WeRide and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), which ran since April 2025. Riders can book a WeRide Robotaxi directly through the Uber app by selecting the "Autonomous" option.
Initial operations cover routes in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim — near public beaches and popular tourist zones — and are open to all riders. During this pilot phase, a vehicle specialist rides on board to ensure safety and service reliability, with a fully driverless commercial service targeted for early 2026.
WeRide currently operates approximately 150 autonomous vehicles across the Middle East, including more than 100 Robotaxis, and has set an ambition to deploy tens of thousands of units globally by 2030. Tawasul, a UAE mobility and fleet operator, manages WeRide's vehicle fleet on the Uber platform.
"This launch builds on the joint pilot programme between RTA and WeRide, which has undergone successive testing since April 2025," said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA's Licensing Agency. The service directly supports Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which targets 25% of all journeys being autonomous by 2030.
Sanzen Debuts in the UAE With Two Major Projects
On the real estate side, developer Sanzen held a three-day early-bird pre-launch event from December 11–13 at its Experience Center in Dubai, welcoming government representatives, investors, and more than 280 brokers across the three days.
The company unveiled two flagship projects:
Zen Lagoons (Dubai, Meydan area) — A waterfront residential development offering one- to three-bedroom apartments starting at AED 1.5 million (from 630 sq. ft.) and commercial offices from AED 2.8 million (from 697 sq. ft.). The project is delivered through Sanzen's development arm, Zenova Realty Real Estate Developments.
Sukoon by Sanzen (Sharjah) — A gated villa community offering three- to seven-bedroom villas from AED 2.1 million (from 2,240 sq. ft.), developed under Al-Sanad Investment & Development.
Amro Saleh, CEO of Sanzen, described the brand's vision as redefining modern urban living by bringing the essence of Zen into development design — focused on natural balance and human-centered environments. Early-bird investors who submitted expressions of interest during the pre-launch window were offered up to a 10% advantage on select units ahead of the full public release.
What Happens in Dubai Doesn't Stay in Dubai
From driverless robotaxis cruising coastal roads to a new developer redefining UAE living, December 2025 marked a significant moment for both mobility and real estate in the Emirates. What happens in Dubai doesn't stay in Dubai anymore.
