WeRide, Uber To Deploy 1,200 Robotaxis In The Middle East

Core Insights - WeRide Inc. and Uber Technologies, Inc. are expanding their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across the Middle East, targeting completion by 2027 [1] - The deployment will cover major cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, enhancing existing driverless operations in these areas [2] Deployment Details - All 1,200 Robotaxis will be accessible through the Uber app, building on current fully driverless operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger services in Dubai and Riyadh [2] - The fleet will be scaled progressively, with Uber committing to add more vehicles as regulatory approvals and performance milestones are met [2] Executive Commentary - Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide, emphasized that this announcement represents the largest Robotaxi commercial commitment in the MENA region, aiming for tens of thousands of Robotaxis globally in the next five years [3] - Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber, highlighted the strong performance of existing deployments and the excitement of introducing more riders to autonomous mobility [4] Economic and Operational Model - The expanded deployment is part of a prior agreement aiming for operations in 15 cities by 2030, following WeRide's asset-light model where Uber or local partners manage fleet operations [6] - WeRide currently operates over 200 Robotaxis in the region, with services in Abu Dhabi averaging dozens of daily trips per Robotaxi and on track to achieve breakeven unit economics [6]