Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed witnesses launch of autonomous mobility service

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, has witnessed the launch of an autonomous mobility service on Uber.The service, launched in collaboration with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, aims to provide smart mobility solutions through self-driving vehicles in various areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport.
Under the guidance of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), Tawasul Transport will be responsible for operating the WeRide fleet on the Uber platform, with the support of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).
The launch marks a significant step in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in developing and applying intelligent transportation systems and autonomous vehicles. As one of the most innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions, this initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of promoting innovation and integrating artificial intelligence technology across various key sectors.Uber passengers in Abu Dhabi can now choose an autonomous WeRide vehicle for specific journeys when booking UberX or Uber Comfort services. Initially, the service will be available in designated areas, with plans to expand operations to other regions within Abu Dhabi.During the initial phase of the launch, a safety operator will be present in each vehicle to ensure a secure and reliable experience for both passengers and pedestrians. This phase lays the groundwork for the full commercial launch of driverless services later in 2025.Uber users in Abu Dhabi interested in experiencing autonomous vehicles can increase their chances of being matched with a WeRide vehicle by opting in via the Ride Preferences section in their Uber application settings.
Dr Abdulla Al Ghafli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), said, “This initiative is a significant step towards achieving our goals of enhancing transportation and adopting the latest advanced technologies. We are confident that using a smart transport service, such as self-driving vehicles, will offer passengers a unique and safe experience.
“It will also significantly contribute to accelerating the shift towards more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions in Abu Dhabi. We will continue to work on enhancing Abu Dhabi’s ability to adopt smart solutions that contribute to improving the quality of life of our citizens. We look forward to further collaboration with our local and international partners to realise this vision.”