Just Launched: Uber and WeRide Deploy First Commercial Robotaxi Service in Downtown Abu Dhabi

Breaking news: Uber and autonomous vehicle company WeRide have officially launched the first commercial Robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, marking a historic milestone for autonomous mobility in the UAE capital.

The service went live on February 12, 2026, and represents the first deployment of autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi's city center. This isn't just a pilot program—it's a fully commercial operation that residents and visitors can use right now.

Here's the thing: you can book these Robotaxis through the Uber app today. The service operates across Khalifa City, Masdar City, Rabdan, and key routes between Corniche Road and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

How to Book a Robotaxi in Abu Dhabi

Booking couldn't be simpler. Open your Uber app and look for three options: Uber Comfort, Uber X, or the dedicated "Autonomous" category. Yes, you can specifically request a self-driving vehicle if that's what you want.

The service now covers approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi's core urban areas, a significant expansion from previous autonomous vehicle operations. This partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) ensures the service integrates seamlessly with Abu Dhabi's broader transportation network.

But that's not all. Currently, each vehicle operates with a safety operator on board, but the plan is clear: fully driverless operations are coming soon.

Abu Dhabi's Autonomous Vehicle Leadership

This launch builds on Abu Dhabi's established leadership in autonomous mobility. As of February 7, 2026, over 120 Level 4 autonomous vehicles were already operating across Abu Dhabi without safety drivers—the first such commercial Level 4 operations in the entire MENA region.

Those earlier operations covered about 50% of main urban areas. This new downtown service expands that coverage dramatically to 70%, bringing autonomous mobility to the heart of the city where demand is highest.

The vehicles have been extensively tested, traveling hundreds of thousands of kilometers across Abu Dhabi's roads. Each vehicle can handle up to 20 trips per day, with real-time monitoring through an advanced digital platform operated by the ITC.

The Bigger Picture: 1,200 Robotaxis Across GCC

Here's where it gets really interesting. WeRide and Uber aren't stopping at Abu Dhabi. They plan to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh by as early as 2027.

WeRide has already deployed more than 200 Robotaxis across the Middle East, making them one of the region's most experienced autonomous vehicle operators. This Abu Dhabi launch serves as the flagship deployment that will inform expansion to other GCC cities.

For Dubai and Riyadh residents watching this development: your cities are next. The successful implementation in Abu Dhabi paves the way for similar services in your urban centers within the next year.

What This Means for GCC Transportation

This launch positions the GCC as a global leader in smart mobility. The region's relatively new road infrastructure, favorable regulations, and forward-thinking governments create ideal conditions for autonomous vehicle deployment.

For car buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this represents more than just a new taxi service. It's a glimpse into the future of transportation—one where owning a car might become optional rather than essential, especially in dense urban areas.

The timing couldn't be better. With GCC cities growing rapidly and traffic congestion becoming a concern, autonomous ride-sharing services offer a scalable solution that doesn't require massive infrastructure investments.

The Vehicles: WeRide's Robotaxi GXR

The service uses WeRide's Robotaxi GXR model, specifically designed for commercial autonomous operations. These vehicles feature the latest sensor arrays, computing systems, and safety features required for urban autonomous driving.

In Abu Dhabi's challenging conditions—from summer heat to complex traffic patterns—these vehicles have proven their reliability through extensive testing. The inclusion of safety operators during this initial phase provides an extra layer of reassurance for early adopters.

And the best part? As the system learns and improves, those safety operators will gradually be removed, leading to truly driverless operations that maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

What's Next for Abu Dhabi Robotaxis

Expect rapid expansion. With 70% coverage already achieved, the remaining 30% of core urban areas will likely follow soon. The service will also expand its hours of operation as confidence in the system grows.

Look for pricing adjustments too. As the service scales and removes safety operators, costs should decrease, making autonomous rides even more competitive with traditional taxis and ride-sharing services.

For other autonomous vehicle operators like Autogo-K2 (partnered with Baidu Apollo Go), this successful commercial launch sets the bar high. Competition in Abu Dhabi's autonomous mobility sector is heating up, which ultimately benefits consumers through better service and lower prices.

How to Try It Yourself

If you're in Abu Dhabi, the service is available right now. Simply open your Uber app, select your destination, and choose the Autonomous category if you want to specifically experience a Robotaxi.

For those in Dubai and Riyadh: watch this space. The successful Abu Dhabi deployment makes it almost certain that similar services will launch in your cities within the next 12-18 months.

This isn't just another tech pilot. It's a fully commercial service that's changing how people move around Abu Dhabi today. And it's just the beginning of a transportation revolution across the GCC.

Source: Gasgoo, Gulf News