Uber and Chinese self-driving car technology company WeRide have launched a commercial robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi. This launch marks Uber’s first international self-driving car service.
Uber has secured partnerships with self-driving car companies in various fields such as ride sharing, delivery, and trucking. Other partners include Wayve, Serve Robotics, Aurora Innovation, and Waabi.
Still, investors are wary that incumbents like Uber won’t be able to compete with companies building the technology like Waymo and potentially Tesla. On Thursday, Uber’s stock fell nearly 10% after Waymo announced plans to launch a robotaxi service in Miami. This is an app that connects riders to the corresponding robotaxi.
Uber’s launch through WeRide, which listed on Nasdaq in late October, will be small, according to an Uber spokesperson. Neither Uber nor WeRide initially shared how many vehicles would hit Abu Dhabi’s streets. The first launch will take place along the route between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and to and from Zayed International Airport, with future expansion planned.
A human safety worker will board each vehicle upon departure, and a fully driverless commercial launch is planned for late 2025.
Uber and WeRide will partner with local Tawasul Transport to handle fleet operations.
