Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uber Technologies and WeRide, building on the initial announcement made in April 2025.
The MoU establishes a framework for launching the pilot operations of autonomous vehicles later this year via Uber app in Dubai. In the first phase, the vehicles will run with a safety driver on board. The full-scale commercial rollout of driverless services is set for 2026.
Uber and WeRide have already commenced field preparations for the pilot phase, with strategic support and supervision from RTA.
The agreement was signed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, RTA; Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Uber; and Eric Dong, Director of Capital Markets and Corporate Development at WeRide, in the presence of senior officials from all parties.
The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), along with Madhu Kannan, Chief Business Officer at Uber, and Ryan Zhan, Regional General Manager of Middle East and Africa at WeRide.
Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer Director-General, Chairman of Board of Executive Directors – RTA
“The introduction of autonomous vehicles in Dubai represents a significant leap towards a smart and sustainable future for mobility, in line with the vision of our leadership to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city. It also supports the objectives of Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which seeks to convert 25 percent of all mobility journeys in the emirate into autonomous trips across various transport modes by 2030. This MoU reinforces Dubai’s global leadership in adopting advanced and sustainable transport solutions, embracing state-of-the-art technologies, and fostering innovative mobility initiatives. Autonomous vehicles mark a major leap towards a more sustainable and safer future in transportation. The RTA is expanding its global partnerships to deploy a wide range of autonomous mobility solutions, including self-driving vehicles, air taxis, marine transport modes, and autonomous taxis. This drive reinforces Dubai’s global leadership in autonomous mobility and elevates its position as a preferred destination for investment in smart mobility and artificial intelligence. The introduction of self-driving taxis will enhance quality of life for residents and visitors, boost road safety, and promote seamless integration across the public transport network by facilitating access to final destinations in line with the specialized First and Last-Mile Strategy.”
Al Tayer also stressed that leading companies are advancing the development of technologies and software needed for autonomous vehicles. Governments are also developing infrastructure and formulating the regulatory frameworks and legislation for the smooth operation of self-driving vehicles.
Frans Hiemstra, Regional General Manager, MEA at Uber, stated that, “At Uber, we are building the future of transportation, one we see as autonomous, electric, and shared. Today we’re thrilled to ink our partnership with RTA to expand our autonomous vehicles operations in the UAE by launching in Dubai in 2025, starting with WeRide as our first technology partner. This strategic collaboration anchors our commitment to make autonomous vehicles more accessible to people around the world and we’re excited to bring this experience to thousands of riders in Dubai later this year.”
“We are accelerating our international expansion, with the Middle East as a strategic priority. Last month, we expanded our partnership with Uber to roll out Robotaxis in 15 additional cities over the next five years, with cities in the Middle East under consideration, and now, formalized our collaboration with Uber and the RTA to bring autonomous vehicles to Dubai through this MoU. We are fully aligned with Dubai Government’s ambitious vision to make 25 percent of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030 and are proud to support this goal with our advanced technology and global experience,” added Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide.
