Uber Technologies is set to introduce self-driving cars in Abu Dhabi later this year

Uber Technologies plans to launch autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi shortly. In order to introduce autonomous cars on its platform, the ride-hailing business has teamed up with WeRide in China. This initiative is anticipated to start in the UAE later this year. 

Commuters will have access to a specific number of WeRide cars once they operate. Users will have the option to use WeRide's robotaxis through the Uber app. The quantity of autonomous vehicles that Abu Dhabi plans to install has not been made public, though.

The first national licence for self-driving cars on UAE roads was given to WeRide in 2023. This was the first autonomous driving licence at the national level in the Middle East and globally. With this licence, WeRide was able to operate autonomous cars on UAE roads and carry out a variety of road tests.

While Uber is taking another step towards integrating robotaxis into its platform, WeRide will benefit from its first partnership with a worldwide ride-hailing network, which will help the firm extend beyond of China. 

Earlier this month, Uber and Alphabet's Waymo increased their collaboration to introduce robotaxis to Austin and Atlanta in the US.

Uber partnered with Cruise, a robotaxi division of General Motors, in August. Beginning the next year, Cruise will provide its driverless vehicles on the platform.