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Uber and WeRide Launch Autonomous Mobility Service in Abu Dhabi

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Uber and WeRide have launched their autonomous mobility service in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time autonomous vehicles are available on the Uber platform outside the United States. The service represents the largest commercial robotaxi operation outside the U.S. and China.

The service will operate in key areas including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to/from Zayed International Airport. Initially, safety operators will be present in each vehicle, with plans for fully driverless service in 2025. Tawasul Transport will serve as the fleet operator, with support from Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre.

Uber riders requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with WeRide autonomous vehicles for qualifying trips, with an opt-in option available through the app's Ride Preferences section.

Uber e WeRide hanno lanciato il loro servizio di mobilità autonomo ad Abu Dhabi, segnando la prima volta che i veicoli autonomi sono disponibili sulla piattaforma di Uber al di fuori degli Stati Uniti. Il servizio rappresenta la più grande operazione commerciale di robotaxi al di fuori degli Stati Uniti e della Cina.

Il servizio opererà in aree chiave tra cui l'isola di Saadiyat, l'isola di Yas e le tratte da/per l'Aeroporto Internazionale di Zayed. Inizialmente, operatori di sicurezza saranno presenti in ogni veicolo, con piani per un servizio completamente senza conducente nel 2025. Tawasul Transport fungerà da operatore della flotta, con il supporto del Centro di Trasporto Integrato di Abu Dhabi.

I passeggeri di Uber che richiedono UberX o Uber Comfort possono essere abbinati a veicoli autonomi WeRide per viaggi idonei, con un'opzione di partecipazione disponibile nella sezione Preferenze di Ride dell'app.

Uber y WeRide han lanzado su servicio de movilidad autónoma en Abu Dhabi, marcando la primera vez que los vehículos autónomos están disponibles en la plataforma de Uber fuera de los Estados Unidos. El servicio representa la mayor operación comercial de robotaxi fuera de EE.UU. y China.

El servicio operará en áreas clave, incluyendo la Isla Saadiyat, la Isla Yas y las rutas hacia/desde el Aeropuerto Internacional Zayed. Inicialmente, habrá operadores de seguridad en cada vehículo, con planes para un servicio completamente autónomo en 2025. Tawasul Transport será el operador de la flota, con el apoyo del Centro de Transporte Integrado de Abu Dhabi.

Los pasajeros de Uber que soliciten UberX o Uber Comfort pueden ser emparejados con vehículos autónomos de WeRide para viajes que califiquen, con una opción de participación disponible en la sección de Preferencias de Viaje de la aplicación.

UberWeRide가 아부다비에서 자율 이동 서비스에 대한 출시를 알렸습니다. 이는 자율 차량이 미국 이외의 지역에서 Uber 플랫폼에 처음으로 제공되는 것입니다. 이 서비스는 미국과 중국을 제외한 가장 큰 상업적 로봇택시 운영을 나타냅니다.

서비스는 사디얏 섬, 야스 섬 및 자이드 국제 공항 간의 주요 지역에서 운영됩니다. 초기에는 각 차량에 안전 운영자가 배치되며, 2025년에는 완전 자동 운전 서비스로 전환될 예정입니다. 타와술 교통(Tawasul Transport)은 플릿 운영자로 활동하고, 아부다비 통합 교통 센터의 지원을 받습니다.

UberX 또는 Uber Comfort를 요청하는 Uber 승객들은 자격이 있는 여행에 대해 WeRide 자율 차량과 매칭될 수 있으며, 앱의 승차 선호 섹션을 통해 선택할 수 있는 옵션이 제공됩니다.

Uber et WeRide ont lancé leur service de mobilité autonome à Abu Dhabi, marquant la première fois que des véhicules autonomes sont disponibles sur la plateforme Uber en dehors des États-Unis. Ce service représente la plus grande opération commerciale de robotaxi en dehors des États-Unis et de la Chine.

Le service opérera dans des zones clés, notamment l'île Saadiyat, l'île Yas et les itinéraires vers/de l'aéroport international de Zayed. Au départ, des opérateurs de sécurité seront présents dans chaque véhicule, avec des plans pour un service entièrement autonome d'ici 2025. Tawasul Transport servira d'opérateur de flotte, avec le soutien du Centre de transport intégré d'Abu Dhabi.

Les utilisateurs d'Uber qui demandent UberX ou Uber Comfort peuvent être associés à des véhicules autonomes WeRide pour les trajets admissibles, avec une option d'adhésion disponible dans la section Préférences de l'application.

Uber und WeRide haben ihren autonomen Mobilitätsdienst in Abu Dhabi gestartet, was die erste Verfügbarkeit autonomer Fahrzeuge auf der Uber-Plattform außerhalb der Vereinigten Staaten markiert. Der Dienst stellt die größte kommerzielle Robotaxi-Betrieb außerhalb der USA und China dar.

Der Dienst wird in wichtigen Bereichen wie der Saadiyat-Insel, der Yas-Insel und den Routen zum/vom internationalen Flughafen Zayed betrieben. Anfangs werden Sicherheitsmitarbeiter in jedem Fahrzeug anwesend sein, mit Plänen für einen vollständig fahrerlosen Dienst im Jahr 2025. Tawasul Transport wird als Flottenbetreiber fungieren, unterstützt vom integrierten Verkehrscenter von Abu Dhabi.

Uber-Fahrer, die UberX oder Uber Comfort anfordern, können für qualifizierte Fahrten mit WeRide-Autonomfahrzeugen gekoppelt werden, wobei eine Opt-in-Option über den Abschnitt „Fahrpräferenzen“ der App verfügbar ist.

Positive
  • First expansion of Uber's autonomous vehicle service outside the U.S.
  • Strategic partnership with WeRide expands market presence in Middle East
  • Planned transition to fully driverless service by 2025 could reduce operational costs
Negative
  • initial service area may restrict revenue potential
  • Requirement for safety operators in initial phase increases operational costs

Insights

The launch of autonomous vehicles on Uber's platform in Abu Dhabi represents a significant strategic expansion beyond U.S. borders. The partnership with WeRide, targeting key tourist and business areas like Saadiyat Island and Zayed International Airport, positions Uber to capture valuable data and operational experience in a new market environment. The phased approach, starting with safety operators before transitioning to fully driverless operations in 2025, demonstrates a prudent risk management strategy. WeRide's track record of 1,800 days of public operations and its status as a publicly listed Robotaxi company adds credibility to this venture. This move could accelerate Uber's autonomous technology deployment globally while providing a competitive edge in the Middle East market.

This partnership signals Uber's strategic push to dominate the global autonomous ride-hailing market, particularly in regions with favorable regulatory environments and high-growth potential. Abu Dhabi's selection as the first international market for Uber's autonomous service is noteworthy, given the UAE's commitment to smart city initiatives and technological innovation. The collaboration with local operator Tawasul Transport demonstrates strong market entry strategy, leveraging local expertise while maintaining service quality. The planned expansion beyond initial routes suggests confidence in market demand and regulatory support. This move could significantly impact Uber's market position and valuation, especially if the Abu Dhabi model proves successful for replication in other international markets.
  • Launch represents the first time autonomous vehicles are available on the Uber platform outside of the U.S.
  • Marks the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China.
  • WeRide vehicles will be available for eligible Uber trips in key areas, including Al Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
  • Tawasul will be the main fleet operator for WeRide vehicles on the Uber platform, providing fleet management services.
  • Program supported by the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility)

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER), the world’s largest mobility and delivery technology platform, and WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), the world’s first publicly listed Robotaxi company and a global leader in autonomous driving technology, have announced the launch of their ride-hailing partnership in Abu Dhabi.

Uber and WeRide launch autonomous mobility service in Abu Dhabi (Photo: Business Wire)

Uber and WeRide launch autonomous mobility service in Abu Dhabi (Photo: Business Wire)

The launch represents the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) are available on the Uber platform outside of the United States, as well as the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China.

The service, supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), marks a key step in making AVs part of everyday life in the region. Tawasul Transport, a leading UAE national transport company, will act as the fleet operator.

Starting today, Uber riders in Abu Dhabi requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with a WeRide AV for qualifying trips. The service will be available in key areas, between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future.

At initial launch, each AV will have a safety operator present to ensure a secure and reliable experience for riders and pedestrians, laying the groundwork for a fully driverless commercial service planned for later in 2025.

Uber riders in Abu Dhabi who are excited about riding in an autonomous vehicle can increase their chances of being matched with a WeRide AV by opting in via the Ride Preferences section of their Uber app under Settings.

Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our partnership with WeRide, and receive the support of Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. As we take this next step in Abu Dhabi, we are excited to build on the strength of the Uber platform, helping our partners make autonomous vehicles a part of everyday life.”

Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, highlighted the Company’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the service, stating: “WeRide prioritizes passenger and pedestrian safety through rigorously validated autonomous driving technology. As the first publicly listed Robotaxi company, WeRide has demonstrated its commitment to safety through over 1,800 days of public operational experience, setting new benchmarks for autonomous vehicle performance.”

Safety remains a top priority in the launch of this service. WeRide's safety approach aligns with Uber's Safety Guidelines for all autonomous vehicle partners operating on the Uber platform, and we continue to monitor safety performance after deployment.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 52 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

About WeRide

WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly listed Robotaxi company. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing a vast majority of transportation needs across a wide range of use cases on the open road, including in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide earned a prestigious position among the top ten on Fortune Magazine’s “2023 Change the World” list and was named to Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list. For more information, please visit https://www.weride.ai.

Uber

press@uber.com

WeRide

pr@weride.ai

Source: Uber Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

When will Uber's autonomous vehicle service in Abu Dhabi become fully driverless?

According to the announcement, Uber and WeRide plan to launch fully driverless commercial service in Abu Dhabi later in 2025.

Where can I use Uber's autonomous vehicle service in Abu Dhabi?

The service is available in key areas between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport.

How can Uber riders in Abu Dhabi request an autonomous vehicle?

Riders can opt in through the Ride Preferences section in their Uber app settings, and may be matched with a WeRide AV when requesting UberX or Uber Comfort.

Uber Technologies, Inc.

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