The launch represents the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) are available on the Uber platform outside the U.S. and the largest commercial robotaxi service outside the U.S. and China.

UAE national transport company Tawasul Transport will act as the fleet operator.

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Now, Uber riders in Abu Dhabi requesting UberX or Uber Comfort can qualify for a WeRide AV ride.

The service will be available in key areas between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island and routes to and from Zayed International Airport. The plan is to expand the operating territory in the future.

At the initial launch, each AV will have a safety operator present to ensure a secure and reliable experience, targeting a fully driverless commercial service planned for later in 2025.

In July 2023, WeRide bagged UAE’s exclusive national license, which permits the testing and operation of its autonomous vehicles on public roads throughout the country.

Earlier this week, Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:BIDU) won Hong Kong’s first autonomous vehicle test license under new 2024 legislation.

Reportedly, Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is aggressively hiring software engineers to boost its teleoperation capabilities for robotaxis.

Price Actions: At the last check on Friday, UBER stock was up 1.18% to $65.96 in the premarket session, while WRD was up 5.89%.

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