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

WeRide and Uber have officially launched the first commercial Robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, marking a historic milestone for autonomous vehicle deployment in the GCC's capital city center.

The service went live on February 12, 2026, expanding autonomous vehicle coverage to approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi's core urban areas. This represents the first time AVs have operated commercially in the heart of the city.

What This Means for Abu Dhabi

For residents and visitors, this launch transforms urban mobility. You can now book a WeRide Robotaxi GXR vehicle through the Uber app, just like any other ride.

The service connects major landmarks including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with the Corniche waterfront, plus key business and tourism districts. This comes at a perfect time as Abu Dhabi's tourism sector continues to boom.

The city welcomed 4.8 million hotel guests in 2024, representing a 27% year-over-year increase in international visitors. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was the top attraction in the Middle East in 2025.

Now tourists can experience cutting-edge mobility while visiting these world-class destinations.

How to Book Your Robotaxi Ride

Booking couldn't be simpler. Open your Uber app and you'll find three options:

1. UberX - Standard ride option
2. Uber Comfort - Premium comfort option
3. Autonomous - Dedicated Robotaxi option

The service currently operates with a vehicle specialist (safety operator) on board as part of a phased approach toward fully driverless operations. This ensures safety while the technology continues to prove itself in Abu Dhabi's unique urban environment.

Expanded Coverage Area

The downtown expansion significantly increases the service's reach. New coverage includes routes between:

• Corniche Road and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Khalifa City
• Masdar City
• Rabdan area

These join existing coverage zones in Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and major airport highways. The fleet has quadrupled in size since operations began in December 2024.

Major hotels now connected include the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Edition Hotel, Emirates Palace, Rixos Marina, and Radisson Blu Corniche.

GCC Smart Mobility Vision

This launch directly supports the UAE's vision for smart, sustainable transportation. Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has endorsed the partnership, while Tawasul Transport provides fleet management services.

The timing couldn't be better. As GCC cities continue their rapid development, autonomous vehicles represent the next frontier in urban transportation.

The desert climate and unique traffic patterns of the region present specific challenges that WeRide's technology has been tested to handle. From summer heat to complex urban environments, these Robotaxis are built for GCC conditions.

What's Next for Robotaxis in the GCC

The ambitions don't stop here. WeRide and Uber have committed to deploying at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East as early as 2027.

Target cities include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. WeRide has already deployed over 200 Robotaxis in the Middle East region, making this one of the most significant AV rollouts globally.

For Abu Dhabi residents, this means more vehicles, shorter wait times, and expanded coverage in the coming months. The phased approach will gradually reduce human oversight as the technology demonstrates its reliability.

Why This Matters for GCC Transportation

This launch represents more than just another ride-hailing option. It's a fundamental shift in how people move through cities.

For daily commuters, Robotaxis offer consistent pricing and availability without driver variability. For tourists, they provide a futuristic way to explore the city's attractions. For urban planners, they demonstrate the viability of autonomous solutions in Middle Eastern cities.

The service also addresses practical GCC concerns. With vehicle specialists on board during this initial phase, passengers can feel confident about safety in Abu Dhabi's unique driving environment.

The Bottom Line

Starting today, you can experience autonomous mobility in downtown Abu Dhabi. Whether you're heading to a business meeting, visiting the Grand Mosque, or exploring the Corniche, a Robotaxi is just a tap away in your Uber app.

This isn't just a pilot program or limited trial—it's a full commercial service available to the public. The fleet has been scaled up, the coverage area expanded, and the technology proven through months of operation in Abu Dhabi's suburbs.

As the service grows, expect to see more vehicles, more routes, and eventually, fully driverless operations. This is just the beginning of autonomous transportation in the GCC.

Source: GlobeNewswire press release via Markets Insider, February 12, 2026; Gasgoo Daily, February 12, 2026