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Russia unveils ‘Altai’ neuromorphic chip to challenge US in low-power AI and defence applications
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Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority launched a pilot public robotaxi service on the Uber app on December 11, delivered in collaboration with WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER), in line with Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy.
Dubai's population now exceeds four million residents, driving higher mobility demand and increasing reliance on shared mobility and app-based ride-hailing services, with the city being one of the first in the region to roll out this new technology.
"WeRide robotaxi vehicles booked through the Uber app will be available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two of Dubai's most prominent areas located near public beaches. Members of the public across all segments of the community can book a WeRide robotaxi through the Uber app by selecting the 'Autonomous' service option," Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, said.
The launch builds on the joint pilot programme between RTA and WeRide, which has undergone testing since the partnership announcement in April 2025 to ensure a smooth transition towards autonomous mobility solutions.
The service currently operates with a specialist driver on board to ensure a safe and reliable experience, paving the way for a fully driverless service in early 2026.
"Our progress in Dubai is enabled by our autonomous driving technology that has been tested and validated worldwide. We are expanding rapidly across the Middle East and globally, driven by our vision to deploy tens of thousands of robotaxis by 2030," Jennifer Li, chief financial officer and head of international at WeRide, said.
"As the world's largest hybrid network of human drivers and AVs, Uber is building the future of transportation, and we are thrilled by the pace of autonomous adoption in the UAE and the Middle East.
This launch in Dubai is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the UAE's vision for the future of mobility and contributes directly to Dubai's goal of achieving 25% autonomous journeys by 2030," Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous at Uber, said.
WeRide currently operates about 150 autonomous vehicles in the Middle East, including more than 100 robotaxis.
In 2024, Dubai's transport network recorded more than 153mn trips across public transport, taxis and shared mobility. Demand for shared mobility rose 28% compared with 2023.
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