WeRide Sets Ambitious Goals for Autonomous Mobility in the Middle East: Plans to Expand Fleet and Robotaxi Deployment by 2030
In a significant stride towards the future of transportation, WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global pioneer in autonomous driving technology, has received a self-driving vehicle trial permit from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai. This milestone, announced earlier this month, permits WeRide to commence its Robotaxi trials within the bustling metropolis, positioning Dubai as a vital hub for autonomous mobility.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, with Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide
WeRide’s commitment to advancing the self-driving ecosystem in Dubai has been further underscored by its recent accolade of first place at the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport. The company was awarded nearly US million, reflecting its technological prowess and substantial contributions to the implementation of autonomous solutions in the Emirate. This recognition was presented during the 2025 Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport (DWC), where His Highness Sheikh Hamdan personally engaged with WeRide’s Robotaxi GXR exhibit, reaffirming the firm’s integral role in shaping the emirate’s smart mobility initiatives.
The WeRide Robotaxi GXR on display in Dubai
The initial phase of WeRide’s Robotaxi GXR service will operate in key commercial districts in Jumeirah, as well as residential neighborhoods such as Za’abeel First, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim, and Al Safa. Plans are in place for a broader rollout that will encompass crucial thoroughfares, including Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai International Airport, and additional areas within the city’s bustling downtown.
Starting with a fleet of 50 Robotaxi GXRs, WeRide aims to expand its operations in the Middle East, aspiring to grow its total fleet to 1,000 vehicles and deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis by the year 2030. This initiative places Dubai as the 11th city globally, and the second within the UAE, to adopt WeRide’s Robotaxi technology.
Earlier this year, WeRide successfully acquired the first batch of road test licenses in Dubai, signaling the onset of its testing phase in urban core areas. In the subsequent phase, WeRide plans to initiate trials involving an on-board safety officer on the Uber platform, with aspirations for fully driverless commercial operations anticipated by 2026.
At the DWC, WeRide further cemented its commitment to Dubai’s autonomous future by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RTA, which details collaboration efforts towards establishing the Dubai Autonomous Zone. This partnership is indicative of WeRide’s determination to contribute substantially to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global innovation hub, particularly in the domains of passenger transport, logistics, and urban mobility.
Globally, WeRide is recognized as a leader in autonomous mobility, with ongoing or completed Robotaxi testing in 11 cities across five countries, including notable locations such as Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Ordos, Riyadh, Zurich, Shanghai, and Singapore.
WeRide’s expansion efforts are not limited to Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, it is conducting fully driverless Robotaxi testing, marking a significant achievement as the first and only fully driverless service outside the realms of China and the United States. This initiative represents a crucial advancement in the move towards unmanned commercial operations, reinforcing WeRide’s leadership not only within the Middle East but on the global stage as well.
About WeRide
WeRide stands at the forefront of the autonomous driving sector, being a trailblazer and the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. With over 30 cities across 11 countries under its belt, WeRide holds the distinction of being the first technology company to receive autonomous driving permits in seven different markets, including China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the United States. Utilizing its innovative WeRide One platform, WeRide delivers a range of autonomous driving solutions across various sectors, including mobility, logistics, and sanitation. The organization has earned a spot on both Fortune’s 2025 Change the World and Future 50 lists, underscoring its impactful contributions to society and innovation.
Media Contact
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Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These projections, including terms such as “will,” “expects,” and “anticipated,” reflect WeRide’s current beliefs and expectations concerning future events. However, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties which may alter outcomes. Detailed discussions concerning these risks are available in WeRide’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information provided herein is accurate as of the date of publication, and WeRide adopts no obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.
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