Uber and WeRide Join Forces with Dubai’s RTA for Autonomous Vehicle Integration

In a groundbreaking press release dated April 2, 2025, Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) announced a strategic partnership with WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to advance the deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the vibrant city of Dubai. This collaboration is a significant step toward realizing Dubai’s ambitious Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all journeys in the city to autonomous trips by 2030.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized the importance of this partnership. He stated, “This collaboration underscores RTA’s commitment to engaging with global technology leaders and forms part of a series of autonomous mobility trials launched in 2016.” The partnership not only aims to enhance transportation in Dubai but also signifies a broader commitment to innovation in urban mobility.

Noah Zych, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery Operations, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. He stated, “We’re thrilled to be working with Dubai’s RTA to bring autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform.” According to Zych, the partnership with WeRide will provide a reliable and innovative mobility solution that aligns perfectly with Dubai’s goals for smart cities and future transportation.

As part of the agreement, Uber and RTA will initiate pilot programs designed to seamlessly match riders with AVs using Uber’s advanced technology. The collaboration seeks to ensure a user-friendly experience while also exploring essential data insights, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks that will support the transition to autonomous mobility in Dubai.

Jennifer Li, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International Business at WeRide, noted the significance of the partnership for the Middle East and beyond. She remarked, “Dubai marks a natural step forward in our commitment to advancing mobility in the region as well as our continued global expansion.” WeRide’s advanced autonomous technology, combined with Uber’s extensive mobility platform, is expected to enhance service offerings for millions of consumers globally.

This partnership not only reinforces Uber’s leadership in autonomous vehicle innovation but also adds Dubai to a growing list of markets where Uber is collaborating with top AV developers. Notably, WeRide recently secured the UAE’s national license for self-driving vehicles on public roads in July 2023, following the successful commercial launch of its AVs in Abu Dhabi on Uber's platform in December 2024.

As the partnership progresses, more details regarding the launch and next steps for the autonomous vehicle pilot in Dubai will be unveiled in the coming months. With Dubai’s commitment to transforming its transportation landscape and Uber’s drive for innovation, the future of mobility in this dynamic city appears to be on the verge of a revolutionary change.

Uber is dedicated to creating opportunity through movement, having transformed access to rides since its inception in 2010. With over 58 billion trips completed, Uber continues to innovate in urban mobility.

WeRide, recognized as a global leader in the autonomous driving sector, operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries and is the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. The company’s versatile WeRide One platform is designed to address a diverse range of transportation needs.

As this partnership unfolds, stakeholders in the mobility industry will be closely monitoring developments, eager to witness the integration of autonomous vehicles into Dubai’s urban landscape.