Abu Dhabi has officially launched a commercial robotaxi service, with WeRide's self-driving vehicles now bookable through the Uber app. Riders can order autonomous trips across key zones including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport — positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in smart mobility.
How to Book an Abu Dhabi Robot Taxi on Uber
The autonomous taxi service is operated by Tawasul Transport in partnership with WeRide, under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and with support from the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility). Passengers can access the service through UberX and Uber Comfort options in the Uber app, with a setting to select self-driving vehicles.
The launch was witnessed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs — a clear signal that autonomous transport is central to Abu Dhabi's smart-city strategy.
Safety Operators and the Road to Full Autonomy
In this initial phase, every WeRide robotaxi operates with a trained safety operator on board to ensure safe and consistent performance. Full autonomous — driverless — operations are planned for 2025 as the system matures and regulatory confidence builds.
The pilot phase focuses on real-world testing, data collection, and improving the passenger experience. Abu Dhabi Mobility has confirmed that service expansion to additional zones across the emirate is already in planning, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable, intelligent transport.
What Leaders Said at the Launch
Senior officials and executives highlighted the significance of the milestone:
- Dr. Abdulla Al Ghafli, Acting Director-General of ITC: "Self-driving vehicles will revolutionise sustainability and upgrade the standard of living for the residents of Abu Dhabi." - Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office: "This launch proves that the future of transportation has become a reality in Abu Dhabi today." - Noah Zych, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility at Uber: "Our cooperation with WeRide brings autonomous vehicles into everyday life in a unique and meaningful way."
Abu Dhabi's Bigger Autonomous Transport Vision
The WeRide and Uber robotaxi rollout is part of Abu Dhabi's broader push to embed artificial intelligence across key industries. With the SASC providing the regulatory framework, the emirate has created an environment where autonomous mobility can scale responsibly. Further expansion to other Abu Dhabi districts is in the pipeline as the fleet and operational experience grow.
