Ge Long Hui·2025-11-10 08:08Core Insights - WeRide has received approval from the UAE federal government to operate a fully autonomous Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, marking the first city-level L4 autonomous driving commercial license outside the United States [1][2] Group 1: Licensing and Regulatory Approval - The license allows WeRide to operate Robotaxi services without a safety driver, initially through Uber and TXAI platforms in Abu Dhabi, with more operational details to be announced [2] - The approval was granted by the Regulations Lab under the UAE Cabinet Secretariat, which evaluates innovative projects for future economic development [2] - WeRide previously obtained the first autonomous driving road test license in the UAE in July 2023, allowing testing and operation on public roads nationwide [2] Group 2: Operational Milestones and Future Plans - Since 2021, WeRide has collaborated with TXAI for public Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi, with plans to launch a partnership with Uber in December 2024, creating one of the largest Robotaxi fleets outside of China and the U.S. [3] - By July 2025, the operational area will expand to cover nearly half of Abu Dhabi's core urban areas, including Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island, with full coverage expected by the end of 2025 [3] - As of October 2025, WeRide's Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi is projected to achieve breakeven on a per-vehicle basis due to the new license allowing the removal of safety drivers [3] Group 3: Expansion Plans - The milestone license lays a solid foundation for WeRide's expansion in the Middle East, with plans to grow the Robotaxi fleet to 1,000 vehicles by 2026 and to several thousand by 2030 [5]