WeRide and Uber Launch Abu Dhabi's First Robotaxi Service
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2h ago
0mins
Should l Buy WRD?
Source: Benzinga
- First Robotaxi Service: WeRide and Uber have launched Abu Dhabi's first commercial robotaxi service in the city center, covering key landmarks including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, marking a significant milestone for the deployment of autonomous vehicles in the emirate.
- Expanded Service Coverage: This expansion now covers about 70% of Abu Dhabi's core areas, with the fleet growing fourfold since operations began in December 2024, significantly enhancing urban connectivity and supporting the UAE's smart mobility goals.
- Accelerated Strategic Partnership: WeRide and Uber announced in February 2026 a plan to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis, making it one of the largest commercial autonomous mobility rollouts in the region, with completion targeted by 2027.
- Positive Market Reaction: WeRide shares rose 3.31% to $7.80 in premarket trading on Thursday, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its expansion plans in Abu Dhabi, while Uber shares also increased by 0.58% to $71.42.
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Analyst Views on WRD
Wall Street analysts forecast WRD stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for WRD is 14.77 USD with a low forecast of 12.00 USD and a high forecast of 17.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 8.010
Low
12.00
Averages
14.77
High
17.00
Current: 8.010
Low
12.00
Averages
14.77
High
17.00
About WRD
WeRide Inc is a holding company mainly engaged in the commercialization of autonomous driving technology. The Company mainly operates three businesses. The company sells autonomous driving vehicles, primarily including robobuses, robotaxis and robosweepers, and related sensor suites. The Company provides autonomous driving related operational and technical support services. The Company also offers other technology services, including advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) research and development services, and intelligent data services. The Company's autonomous driving products and solutions are available in multiple countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, France, Singapore and Japan.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
WeRide and Uber Launch First Commercial Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi
- First Commercial Robotaxi Service: WeRide and Uber have launched the first commercial robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, marking the Emirate's inaugural deployment of autonomous vehicles in its central area, thereby enhancing the modernization of urban transportation.
- Expanded Service Coverage: The service now operates in approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi's main areas, including Khalifa City, Masdar City, and Rabdan, significantly improving travel convenience for residents and tourists alike.
- Fleet Size Growth: Since operations began in December 2024, the WeRide-Uber robotaxi fleet has quadrupled in size, indicating strong market demand and laying the groundwork for future expansion.
- Technological Collaboration and Innovation: The partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre not only showcases WeRide and Uber's technological prowess in autonomous driving but also introduces a new business model for smart transportation solutions in the Middle East.
See More
WeRide Aims to Double Fleet This Year
- Fleet Expansion Plan: WeRide aims to expand its global fleet to 2,000-3,000 vehicles by year-end, doubling from over 1,000 units in January, reflecting the company's ambition and strong market demand in the autonomous driving sector.
- AI Technology Utilization: The company has successfully reduced data collection and training costs by 75% through its in-house developed AI testing platform, which not only enhances operational efficiency but also paves the way for profitability.
- Simulator Enhances R&D: WeRide's AI simulator, Genesis, trains autonomous vehicles to handle complex real-world scenarios such as heavy traffic and extreme weather, ensuring safe responses in rare situations and further enhancing safety.
- R&D Spending Plans: Despite AI-driven cost savings, WeRide expects a slight increase in R&D spending in 2026 to support fleet expansion and technological advancements, indicating the company's commitment to long-term growth.
See More
WeRide and Uber Launch Abu Dhabi's First Robotaxi Service
- First Robotaxi Service: WeRide and Uber have launched Abu Dhabi's first commercial robotaxi service in the city center, covering key landmarks including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, marking a significant milestone for the deployment of autonomous vehicles in the emirate.
- Expanded Service Coverage: This expansion now covers about 70% of Abu Dhabi's core areas, with the fleet growing fourfold since operations began in December 2024, significantly enhancing urban connectivity and supporting the UAE's smart mobility goals.
- Accelerated Strategic Partnership: WeRide and Uber announced in February 2026 a plan to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis, making it one of the largest commercial autonomous mobility rollouts in the region, with completion targeted by 2027.
- Positive Market Reaction: WeRide shares rose 3.31% to $7.80 in premarket trading on Thursday, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its expansion plans in Abu Dhabi, while Uber shares also increased by 0.58% to $71.42.
See More
Abu Dhabi Launches First Commercial Robotaxi Service
- Service Expansion: WeRide and Uber have launched the first commercial Robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, covering approximately 70% of the core areas, significantly enhancing urban transport accessibility and convenience.
- Fleet Growth: Since starting operations in December 2024, WeRide's Robotaxi fleet has expanded to over 200 vehicles, with plans to scale to thousands in the coming years, further solidifying its leadership position in the Middle East market.
- Tourism Support: The new service connects major landmarks and hotels, expected to boost Abu Dhabi's tourism sector, with international visitors reaching 4.8 million in 2024, a 27% year-on-year increase.
- Technological Advantage: WeRide maintains a four-year first-mover advantage in Abu Dhabi, being the first to receive a national self-driving vehicle license, driving the realization of the smart mobility vision.
See More
WeRide and Uber to Deploy 1,200 Robotaxis in the Middle East
- Middle East Expansion: WeRide and Uber announced plans to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, with completion expected by 2027, marking the largest commercial commitment for Robotaxis in the MENA region and significantly enhancing both companies' competitive positions in this market.
- Strategic Partnership Deepening: This deployment allows WeRide and Uber to operate Robotaxis in three of the 15 cities outlined in their agreement, with plans to launch in another 12 cities by 2030, further solidifying their collaborative efforts in the smart mobility sector.
- Global Vision Advancement: WeRide's CEO Tony Han stated that this commitment is a key part of their vision for tens of thousands of Robotaxis globally, demonstrating the company's determination to accelerate its global expansion over the next five years.
- Innovation-Driven Growth: By partnering with Uber, WeRide not only enhances its technological capabilities but also drives innovation in smart transportation in the Middle East, which is expected to attract more investments and collaboration opportunities, fostering regional economic growth.
See More
WeRide Expands Partnership with Uber for Robotaxi Deployment
- Partnership Expansion: WeRide announced plans to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh in partnership with Uber, with completion expected by 2027, further penetrating the Middle Eastern market.
- Profitability Progress: In Abu Dhabi, the fully driverless commercial robotaxi service operated by WeRide and Uber is on track to achieve breakeven unit economics, with each vehicle averaging dozens of daily trips, indicating strong market demand.
- Positive Market Sentiment: WeRide's shares rallied 7% following the partnership expansion announcement, with investors maintaining an optimistic outlook despite a 50% drop in stock price over the past year, reflecting confidence in the company's growth strategy.
- Technological Investment Support: Nvidia's investment in WeRide has garnered attention, with users discussing the company's potential for market expansion on social media, emphasizing government contracts and the absence of negative news, suggesting increasing market confidence in WeRide.
See More
WeRide and Uber Launch First Commercial Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi
- First Commercial Robotaxi Service: WeRide and Uber have launched the first commercial robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, marking the Emirate's inaugural deployment of autonomous vehicles in its central area, thereby enhancing the modernization of urban transportation.
- Expanded Service Coverage: The service now operates in approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi's main areas, including Khalifa City, Masdar City, and Rabdan, significantly improving travel convenience for residents and tourists alike.
- Fleet Size Growth: Since operations began in December 2024, the WeRide-Uber robotaxi fleet has quadrupled in size, indicating strong market demand and laying the groundwork for future expansion.
- Technological Collaboration and Innovation: The partnership with the Integrated Transport Centre not only showcases WeRide and Uber's technological prowess in autonomous driving but also introduces a new business model for smart transportation solutions in the Middle East.
See More
WeRide Aims to Double Fleet This Year
- Fleet Expansion Plan: WeRide aims to expand its global fleet to 2,000-3,000 vehicles by year-end, doubling from over 1,000 units in January, reflecting the company's ambition and strong market demand in the autonomous driving sector.
- AI Technology Utilization: The company has successfully reduced data collection and training costs by 75% through its in-house developed AI testing platform, which not only enhances operational efficiency but also paves the way for profitability.
- Simulator Enhances R&D: WeRide's AI simulator, Genesis, trains autonomous vehicles to handle complex real-world scenarios such as heavy traffic and extreme weather, ensuring safe responses in rare situations and further enhancing safety.
- R&D Spending Plans: Despite AI-driven cost savings, WeRide expects a slight increase in R&D spending in 2026 to support fleet expansion and technological advancements, indicating the company's commitment to long-term growth.
See More
WeRide and Uber Launch Abu Dhabi's First Robotaxi Service
- First Robotaxi Service: WeRide and Uber have launched Abu Dhabi's first commercial robotaxi service in the city center, covering key landmarks including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, marking a significant milestone for the deployment of autonomous vehicles in the emirate.
- Expanded Service Coverage: This expansion now covers about 70% of Abu Dhabi's core areas, with the fleet growing fourfold since operations began in December 2024, significantly enhancing urban connectivity and supporting the UAE's smart mobility goals.
- Accelerated Strategic Partnership: WeRide and Uber announced in February 2026 a plan to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis, making it one of the largest commercial autonomous mobility rollouts in the region, with completion targeted by 2027.
- Positive Market Reaction: WeRide shares rose 3.31% to $7.80 in premarket trading on Thursday, reflecting positive market sentiment towards its expansion plans in Abu Dhabi, while Uber shares also increased by 0.58% to $71.42.
See More
Abu Dhabi Launches First Commercial Robotaxi Service
- Service Expansion: WeRide and Uber have launched the first commercial Robotaxi service in downtown Abu Dhabi, covering approximately 70% of the core areas, significantly enhancing urban transport accessibility and convenience.
- Fleet Growth: Since starting operations in December 2024, WeRide's Robotaxi fleet has expanded to over 200 vehicles, with plans to scale to thousands in the coming years, further solidifying its leadership position in the Middle East market.
- Tourism Support: The new service connects major landmarks and hotels, expected to boost Abu Dhabi's tourism sector, with international visitors reaching 4.8 million in 2024, a 27% year-on-year increase.
- Technological Advantage: WeRide maintains a four-year first-mover advantage in Abu Dhabi, being the first to receive a national self-driving vehicle license, driving the realization of the smart mobility vision.
See More
WeRide and Uber to Deploy 1,200 Robotaxis in the Middle East
- Middle East Expansion: WeRide and Uber announced plans to deploy at least 1,200 Robotaxis across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, with completion expected by 2027, marking the largest commercial commitment for Robotaxis in the MENA region and significantly enhancing both companies' competitive positions in this market.
- Strategic Partnership Deepening: This deployment allows WeRide and Uber to operate Robotaxis in three of the 15 cities outlined in their agreement, with plans to launch in another 12 cities by 2030, further solidifying their collaborative efforts in the smart mobility sector.
- Global Vision Advancement: WeRide's CEO Tony Han stated that this commitment is a key part of their vision for tens of thousands of Robotaxis globally, demonstrating the company's determination to accelerate its global expansion over the next five years.
- Innovation-Driven Growth: By partnering with Uber, WeRide not only enhances its technological capabilities but also drives innovation in smart transportation in the Middle East, which is expected to attract more investments and collaboration opportunities, fostering regional economic growth.
See More
WeRide Expands Partnership with Uber for Robotaxi Deployment
- Partnership Expansion: WeRide announced plans to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh in partnership with Uber, with completion expected by 2027, further penetrating the Middle Eastern market.
- Profitability Progress: In Abu Dhabi, the fully driverless commercial robotaxi service operated by WeRide and Uber is on track to achieve breakeven unit economics, with each vehicle averaging dozens of daily trips, indicating strong market demand.
- Positive Market Sentiment: WeRide's shares rallied 7% following the partnership expansion announcement, with investors maintaining an optimistic outlook despite a 50% drop in stock price over the past year, reflecting confidence in the company's growth strategy.
- Technological Investment Support: Nvidia's investment in WeRide has garnered attention, with users discussing the company's potential for market expansion on social media, emphasizing government contracts and the absence of negative news, suggesting increasing market confidence in WeRide.
See More
