Abu Dhabi has launched the Middle East’s first commercial robotaxi service, where passengers can ride in fully autonomous vehicles with no human backup driver.
Two companies received permits to operate Level 4 autonomous vehicles on public roads. WeRide, partnering with Uber and local operator Tawasul, now operates driverless taxis across half of Abu Dhabi’s core areas. AutoGo-K2, working with ApolloGo-Baidu, has commenced on Yas Island after completing over 100,000 kilometers of testing in just two months.
WeRide Robotaxis Covers 50% of Abu Dhabi Core Areas
WeRide’s robotaxis have travelled over 800,000 kilometers in Abu Dhabi since starting operations. Each vehicle completes up to 20 trips during a 12-hour shift. The service covers approximately 50% of Abu Dhabi’s central zones, including routes between Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Zayed International Airport.
The company started with safety drivers monitoring the vehicles when it launched with Uber in December 2024. By the second quarter of 2025, WeRide began fully driverless testing, the first deployment of its kind in the Middle East. Now, passengers can book rides through the Uber app and travel without any human oversight in the vehicle.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Mobility, stated that this authorization enhances Abu Dhabi’s status as a global leader in smart mobility. The emirate collaborated with the UAE Regulations Lab under the Cabinet Secretariat to create comprehensive safety frameworks for commercial autonomous vehicle operations.
AutoGo-K2 Achieves Record-Fast Approval on Yas Island
AutoGo-K2 moved from initial deployment to fully driverless operations in record time. The company launched on Yas Island in mid-July 2025 and received certification for unmanned service by the end of September. During this period, the fleet completed over 100,000 kilometers of autonomous testing.
The rapid progression demonstrates how quickly autonomous vehicle technology can advance when proper regulatory frameworks are in place. AutoGo-K2 moved through three phases: safety officer operation, passenger-seat supervision, and finally, fully autonomous service with no safety operator inside the vehicle.
Real-Time Monitoring Platform Ensures Safety Standards
Abu Dhabi Mobility monitors all autonomous vehicles through an advanced digital platform that tracks movements in real-time. The system logs and analyzes any incidents or violations immediately. This platform is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.
The monitoring system works in coordination with operators to ensure full compliance with permit conditions and operational safety requirements. This real-time oversight builds public confidence in autonomous mobility while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Global Competition Intensifies in Robotaxi Market
Abu Dhabi’s launch puts it ahead of major competitors in autonomous vehicle deployment. While Waymo operates in several US cities and Chinese companies such as Baidu run services in 11 cities, no other region outside the US and China has achieved fully commercial driverless operations to date.
The UAE’s regulatory approach differs from other markets. Rather than waiting for perfect technology, Abu Dhabi created frameworks that allow safe testing and gradual deployment. This proactive stance helped companies progress from initial trials to commercial operations more quickly than in many other jurisdictions.
Dubai Plans 25% Autonomous Transportation by 2030
Abu Dhabi’s success complements Dubai’s autonomous transportation strategy. Dubai aims to make 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030. The Roads and Transport Authority supports several initiatives to achieve this goal, including plans for 4,000 autonomous vehicles to be deployed in taxi services.
The UAE granted its first national license for self-driving cars to WeRide in 2023. This early regulatory support created the foundation for today’s commercial operations. Both emirates now compete to lead the region in smart mobility solutions.
Expansion Plans Target Most of Abu Dhabi by Year-End
WeRide plans to extend operations to most of Abu Dhabi’s central zones by the end of 2025. The expansion will include Khalifa City, Masdar City, and downtown Abu Dhabi. This growth will create one of the largest commercial robotaxi networks outside the US and China.
The success of these initial operations provides a model for other Middle Eastern cities. As regulatory frameworks develop across the region, more cities may follow Abu Dhabi’s lead in deploying commercial autonomous vehicles.
Abu Dhabi’s achievement demonstrates how forward-thinking regulation can accelerate the adoption of new transportation technologies. The emirate’s approach strikes a balance between innovation and safety, creating a blueprint for autonomous vehicle deployment that other regions can study and adapt.
