Uber Rolls Out First Autonomous Rides in Abu Dhabi

Uber Technologies has launched its first autonomous vehicle rides outside the US, debuting in Abu Dhabi through a partnership with Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide. The pilot programme allows riders to book self-driving cars at UberX or Uber Comfort rates across popular tourist hubs, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to Zayed International Airport. Uber plans to expand its service area in the coming months, the company announced.
Safety operators will accompany rides during the initial phase, with fully driverless operations anticipated by 2025. The move underscores Uber’s strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles into its app without developing self-driving technology in-house. Since June, Uber has secured partnerships with at least seven companies, including Alphabet’s Waymo, and maintains investments in startups like WeRide.
Despite these advancements, concerns linger over Uber and Lyft’s reliance on human drivers to maintain their rideshare networks. Competition is intensifying from companies like Waymo, which operates as both a partner and rival. In some US cities, Waymo collaborates with Uber, but it also runs its own driverless ride-hailing service, including plans to expand to Miami in 2026.
On Thursday, Uber shares dropped 9.6% following Waymo’s announcement, while Lyft shares tumbled 10%. Both companies face additional pressure from Elon Musk’s proposed robotaxi network, which has yet to materialize. As the race for dominance in autonomous mobility accelerates, Uber’s latest launch signals its commitment to remaining a key player in the evolving landscape.