Passengers in Abu Dhabi can now hail fully autonomous taxis through Uber - marking the first time the platform has operated completely driverless rides outside the US. Olivia Palamountain reports

When Uber riders on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island open their app now, they'll find something new: an "Autonomous" option that summons a WeRide robotaxi with no driver behind the wheel.

The launch represents Uber's first fully driverless service beyond US borders, delivered through a partnership with autonomous driving firm WeRide. Unlike previous trials that required safety specialists on board, these vehicles operate entirely without human intervention - a significant step from testing to genuine commercial service.

Abu Dhabi beat cities worldwide to secure the first international permit for such operations, underlining the UAE's determination to lead the autonomous vehicle race. The service went live through both Uber Comfort and UberX, with WeRide's fleet already numbering more than 100 robotaxis across the region.

WeRide has operated robotaxis in Abu Dhabi since 2021, giving it a four-year head start on competitors. In 2023, it became the first company in the UAE to receive a national licence covering all types of self-driving vehicles. The firm now holds autonomous driving permits in eight markets - China, UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and the US - and is the first publicly traded robotaxi company.

In October 2025, WeRide secured a federal permit for fully driverless commercial operations, followed by an operational licence from Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre, granted jointly to WeRide and fleet operator Tawasul. The companies launched their partnership in December 2024 with what was then the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the US and China, expanding in July 2025 to cover roughly half of Abu Dhabi's core areas, including Al Reem and Al Maryah. Services are set to extend to additional city centre areas by year-end.

The partnership plans to scale dramatically over coming years, targeting thousands of robotaxis across the Middle East. More significantly for Uber's business model, the combination of fully driverless operations, recent permits and improved vehicle utilisation means Abu Dhabi services are on track to achieve breakeven - suggesting autonomous rides could soon turn profitable.

For Uber, the launch serves as a crucial experiment in how driverless technology might coexist with traditional drivers on its platform. With the UAE pouring investment into transport innovation, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as the proving ground for whether autonomous vehicles can move from novelty to necessity in everyday travel.