Dubai to Launch Autonomous Vehicle Pilot with RTA, Uber, and WeRide in 2025
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a major agreement with Uber and WeRide to begin pilot operations of autonomous vehicles in the emirate by the end of 2025. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks the first step in a multi-phase collaboration, laying the foundation for fully driverless services by 2026.
Initially, the autonomous vehicles will operate with safety drivers and will be accessible via the Uber app. Preparations for the pilot phase are already in progress. Notably, Uber and WeRide are leading the groundwork, while RTA provides strategic guidance and oversight. The MoU was formalized at a signing ceremony attended by senior representatives from all three organizations.
Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan signed on behalf of RTA, while Frans Hiemstra and Eric Dong represented Uber and WeRide, respectively. Their participation reflects strong executive support for this groundbreaking initiative.
Driving Toward Smart and Sustainable Mobility
According to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, this collaboration demonstrates Dubai’s leadership in embracing smart mobility solutions. “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,” he said.
He further emphasized how this move supports the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy. That strategy aims to make 25% of all transportation journeys autonomous by 2030. Moreover, Al Tayer stated that integrating autonomous vehicles would raise road safety and improve access to final destinations through the First and Last-Mile Strategy.
In addition to self-driving cars, the RTA continues to explore innovations such as air taxis and autonomous marine transport. These efforts reinforce Dubai’s intent to be a global leader in future mobility.
Industry Leaders Align on Vision for the Future
Uber and WeRide executives expressed strong support for this initiative. Frans Hiemstra of Uber said, “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.”
He added that the partnership demonstrates Uber’s commitment to expanding autonomous mobility access worldwide.
Jennifer Li of WeRide shared similar sentiments. “We are accelerating our international expansion, with the Middle East as a strategic priority,” she said. She noted that WeRide had recently expanded its partnership with Uber to launch robotaxis in 15 cities over five years.
“We are fully aligned with the 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,” Li added.
As development continues, the RTA, Uber, and WeRide are working to ensure a seamless transition into autonomous mobility one that is safer, smarter, and increasingly accessible.
