WeRide Expands Its Horizon in the Middle East, Envisioning a Future of Autonomous Transport
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – On September 26, 2025, WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a distinguished front-runner in the field of autonomous driving technology, achieved a significant milestone by securing a self-driving vehicle trial permit from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This authorization will enable the company to initiate trials of its revolutionary Robotaxi service across the vibrant cityscape of Dubai, heralding a new era for urban mobility.
WeRide’s aspirations for the Middle East extend beyond mere trials. The company aims to bolster its fleet in the region to an ambitious target of 1,000 vehicles, with plans to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by the year 2030. This announcement underscores the company’s strategy to enhance smart mobility solutions, aligning perfectly with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovative technologies.
The recent accolades for WeRide were solidified at the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, where the company clinched first place, alongside a prize money of nearly USD 1 million. This recognition not only affirms WeRide’s technical prowess but also highlights its pivotal contributions to nurturing Dubai’s burgeoning autonomous driving ecosystem. The award ceremony at the 2025 Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport was graced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who lauded the company for its integral role in shaping the future of smart mobility in the emirate.
The inaugural trial service of WeRide’s Robotaxi, marked as the Robotaxi GXR, is set to serve key commercial districts in Jumeirah and extend into prominent residential neighborhoods, including Za’abeel First, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim, and Al Safa. As part of its rollout strategy, WeRide plans to commence operations with an initial fleet of 50 Robotaxis in Dubai. Future expansions will encompass major routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai International Airport, amplifying the reach and utility of autonomous transport solutions within the city.
The timely issuance of this permit positions Dubai as the 11th city globally, and the second in the UAE, to deploy WeRide’s cutting-edge Robotaxis. Earlier this year, WeRide navigated through the regulatory landscape to obtain its first batch of road test licenses, subsequently commencing tests in the metropolitan core. The next phase involves trials with onboard safety officers on the Uber platform, with aspirations for completely driverless commercial services set for a 2026 launch.
At the Dubai World Congress, WeRide also formalized a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RTA, further solidifying their collaboration in the Dubai Autonomous Zone. This agreement epitomizes WeRide’s commitment to advancing Dubai’s status as a trailblazer in autonomous technology, catering to sectors such as passenger transport, logistics, and urban mobility.
Beyond its efforts in Dubai, WeRide is pioneering fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi, thereby marking the first instance of such operations outside of China and the United States. This pivotal development not only signifies WeRide’s leadership in the Middle East but also its growing influence on the global stage.
Operating autonomously in over 30 cities across 11 countries, WeRide has established itself as a premier player in the autonomous mobility landscape. The company is notably the first publicly-traded Robotaxi enterprise and has gained approval for autonomous driving permits in seven distinct markets, which include China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the United States. Leveraging the adaptable WeRide One platform, the company aims to tackle a myriad of transportation challenges across diverse industries including mobility, logistics, and sanitation.
As WeRide strides forward with innovative transport solutions, it is also recognized in Fortune’s 2025 Change the World and Future 50 lists, affirming its role as a change-maker in the field of mobility.
In conclusion, WeRide’s expansion and initiatives in the Middle East not only enhance the landscape of autonomous transport but are also a testament to Dubai’s ambition to be at the forefront of technological advancement. The integration of Robotaxis into the urban fabric of Dubai promises to reshape the city’s transport dynamics, making it an increasingly accessible and efficient metropolis for residents and visitors alike.
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