Abu Dhabi Expands Autonomous Taxi Service to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has expanded its Autonomous RoboTaxi service to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands. This effort is in collaboration with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, alongside Uber and local operator Tawasul Transport. The expansion supports Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) strategy, which aims for 25% of all trips to use smart mobility by 2040.
By including these major residential and commercial hubs, Abu Dhabi is integrating AI-driven transport deeper into the city. Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands were chosen due to their busy traffic and high demand for reliable urban mobility. Therefore, this move highlights WeRide’s ability to handle complex real-world traffic challenges.
Growing Coverage and Future Plans
Autonomous taxis have already operated on Yas and Saadiyat Islands and connected to Zayed International Airport. Since launching on Uber’s platform in December 2024, the fleet has tripled in size. The Integrated Transport Centre plans to extend services to more parts of Abu Dhabi Island, moving closer to full commercial deployment.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said, “This expansion marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey towards realising its vision for a smarter and safer mobility system. We are extending the deployment of autonomous vehicles to high-density areas to provide safer and more efficient travel experiences in line with Abu Dhabi’s smart transport strategy.” He added, “We are committed to innovative and sustainable solutions that improve quality of life. By working with our strategic partners, we are accelerating progress and enhancing the transport experience for all.”
Regional Leadership in Smart Mobility
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, said, “Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands are dynamic, high-demand areas. This expansion allows us to showcase our technology in complex settings and accelerate the deployment of autonomous vehicles across Abu Dhabi.” Meanwhile, Mohamad Jardaneh, Head of Autonomous Mobility, Middle East at Uber, commented, “We’re pleased to bring autonomous rides to more people in Abu Dhabi. With strong engagement since launch, 2025 is the year AV technology enters the mainstream.”
Abu Dhabi leads the Middle East and North Africa as the first city to commercially operate autonomous vehicles. Its fleet of 44 AVs and partnerships with firms such as WeRide, Space42, Uber, and Tawasul Transport demonstrate the emirate’s commitment to smart mobility. WeRide’s Abu Dhabi fleet is its largest outside the US and China, reflecting the city’s growing role as a global innovation hub for sustainable transport.
