WeRide and Uber Partner to Bring Autonomous Vehicles to the Uber Platform, Beginning in the UAE

WeRide, an autonomous driving technology company, and Uber Technologies, Inc., the mobility and delivery technology platform, announced a strategic partnership to bring WeRide’s autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, beginning in the United Arab Emirates.

The partnership is expected to launch first in Abu Dhabi later this year. A dedicated number of WeRide vehicles will be available to consumers using the Uber app. After launch, when riders request a qualifying ride on the Uber app, they may be allowed to make their trip using a WeRide autonomous vehicle. The partnership does not contemplate any launches in the United States or China.

Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s Senior Vice President of Mobility and business operations, and Hua Zhong, WeRide’s Senior Vice President, signed the partnership agreement. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and WeRide Founder and CEO Tony Han witnessed the ceremony.

WeRide currently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. In addition, in July 2023, WeRide was granted the UAE’s first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, enabling it to test and operate its autonomous cars on public roads nationwide. 

Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, said, “We are honoured to partner with Uber to continue bringing our technology to global markets. Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much-needed, affordable, sustainable, and safe mobility solutions to a global audience.”

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO, said, “Uber is very excited to partner with WeRide. The future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies like WeRide to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities worldwide.”