Uber to roll out autonomous vehicles on app, starting with Abu Dhabi later this year

Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide and ride-hailing company Uber announced a strategic partnership to offer WeRide's autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform.

The partnership will start with the UAE market, with the launch in Abu Dhabi expected later this year.

Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide said: "We are honored to partner with Uber to continue to bring our technology to global markets. Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much needed, affordable, sustainable and safe mobility solutions to a global audience."

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said: "Uber is very excited to partner with WeRide. It's clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies like WeRide to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world."

As per the agreement, a dedicated number of WeRide vehicles --- the companies did not disclose the number --- will be made available to consumers using the Uber app.

Users requesting a ride will have the option to fulfill their trip using a WeRide autonomous vehicle.

The partnership does not contemplate any launches in the US or China, the two partners' home markets, the companies said in a statement.

WeRide is already present in the UAE; the company currently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the emirates through the TXAI app. WeRide is also the holder of UAE's first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, granted in July 2023, which allows the company to test and operate its vehicles on public roads across the country.