Uber CEO Highlights UAE Driverless Vehicle Expansion
Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi recently praised the company’s expanding partnership with China’s WeRide during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 in Washington. Speaking on the future of autonomous transport, he highlighted Uber’s ongoing projects in the UAE, where WeRide vehicles are now available through Uber’s platform in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, Khosrowshahi announced the expansion of this service into Dubai, signaling Uber’s growing ambitions in the region.
The collaboration initially launched in 2024, offering self-driving rides on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. These services, operated by UAE transport company Tawasul, feature vehicles equipped with human safety operators to ensure a smooth transition to autonomy. Furthermore, earlier this year, Uber and WeRide partnered with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, aiming to introduce driverless taxis to Dubai’s streets. These developments highlight the UAE’s push to expand sustainable, technology-driven public transport options.
Although Uber’s self-driving efforts have faced challenges globally, the company remains determined. In fact, Khosrowshahi noted that building relationships with human drivers had been crucial to Uber’s early success. Yet, he argued that embracing autonomous technology is essential for future growth.
Navigating a Competitive Autonomous Market
During his appearance, Khosrowshahi was also asked about Tesla’s current struggles, particularly following a significant drop in profits and growing public discontent toward CEO Elon Musk’s political activities. While careful not to criticise Musk directly, Khosrowshahi admitted that the car manufacturing industry is notoriously difficult. He pointed out that any company seeking success at scale must sell globally and compete with Chinese automakers, who have become dominant players.
Despite promoting ride-sharing as a way to reduce personal car ownership, Khosrowshahi acknowledged he owns a Tesla. He revealed that he often uses the self-driving feature, describing it as “delightful” even though manual intervention is sometimes necessary. His comments, while complimentary, may offer little comfort to Tesla investors worried about the company’s future direction.
UAE and Uber: A Growing Alliance
Ultimately, Uber’s work in the UAE reflects broader global trends. Governments eager to lead the next tech revolution are investing heavily in autonomous vehicles, AI, and smart infrastructure. The UAE, with its forward-thinking transport strategies, offers a welcoming environment for Uber’s expansion. Meanwhile, events like the Semafor World Economy Summit showcase how leaders across technology, finance, and government are increasingly aligning around innovation-driven growth.
Also attending the summit were Khaldoon Al Mubarak of Mubadala, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, and Nasdaq chief Adena Friedman. Their presence reinforced that partnerships between public and private sectors will continue shaping the future of global mobility.
