ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (chinaevs.org) — Self-driving technology company WeRide and ride-hailing platform Uber on Monday announced the expansion of their Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, with operations now extending to Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island.

The expansion, supported by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), brings Robotaxi coverage to nearly half of the city's core areas, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes to Zayed International Airport. The companies expect the move to double ride volume across the region.

Since launching the service in Abu Dhabi in December 2024, WeRide and Uber have tripled the size of their local Robotaxi fleet. The companies said they plan to increase the number of vehicles to several hundred and extend coverage to Khalifa City, Masdar City and other locations by the end of 2025.

The fleet currently uses WeRide’s GXR Robotaxi, a commercial model that carries up to five passengers. According to the companies, each vehicle can complete dozens of trips per day, averaging more than six kilometers per trip during a typical 12-hour shift.

“We’re excited to bring our service to these high-demand areas,” said Xuan Li, chief financial officer and head of international business at WeRide. “This expansion gives more residents access to autonomous rides and allows us to demonstrate our technology’s performance in busy, complex environments.”

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting director general of the ITC, said the initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to build a safer and smarter transportation network. “Deploying Robotaxis in high-density areas is part of our goal to provide residents with innovative, efficient mobility options,” he said.

Mohamad Jardaneh, head of autonomous mobility for Uber in the Middle East, called 2025 “a milestone year” for the growth of self-driving technology. “We’ve seen strong interest from riders in Abu Dhabi, and now we hope even more people will experience autonomous travel,” he said.

Residents in the newly added areas can request a Robotaxi through the Uber and TXAI apps starting Monday.

Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands are among Abu Dhabi’s busiest districts, combining residential, commercial and financial hubs. The expansion reflects the city’s role as a leader in smart mobility, the companies said.

WeRide also confirmed it is testing fully driverless Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi and expects to offer public access to the service in the coming months.