Uber Partners with WeRide to Launch Robotaxis in the UAE

Uber Technologies has announced a partnership with Chinese self-driving tech startup WeRide to introduce robotaxis to its rideshare platform in the United Arab Emirates. This marks WeRide’s first collaboration with a global ride-hailing service, allowing the company to expand its operations beyond China while enabling Uber to integrate autonomous vehicles into its offerings.

Earlier this month, Uber expanded its collaboration with Alphabet’s Waymo to introduce robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta, and in August, it partnered with General Motors’ Cruise, set to launch autonomous vehicles on the platform next year.

The WeRide partnership is slated to kick off in Abu Dhabi later this year. The company has secured the UAE’s first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, permitting it to test and operate robotaxis on public roads throughout the nation.

WeRide had planned to list its shares in the U.S., aiming for a valuation of up to $5 billion; however, its initial public offering has faced delays as the firm works on completing the necessary documentation.

In related news, the Biden administration has proposed restrictions that would prevent the testing of self-driving cars by Chinese automakers on U.S. roads, extending to vehicle software and hardware produced by other foreign adversaries, including Russia.