Big news hit the streets today, April 3, 2025: Uber and WeRide have teamed up with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to bring autonomous vehicles—self-driving cars—to the city. It’s a major step toward making driverless rides a normal part of life here, and it’s got people excited about what’s next for getting around in Dubai.
The announcement came yesterday, April 2, from Uber, the ride-hailing giant, and WeRide, a Chinese company that’s big in self-driving tech. They’re starting with WeRide as the first partner to put these high-tech cars on Uber’s app. Picture this: you open Uber, book a ride, and a sleek, driverless car pulls up. That’s the plan, and it’s kicking off with pilot programs to test how it all works.
Dubai’s got a bold goal—to make 25% of all trips in the city autonomous by 2030. This fits right into that vision, called the Self-Driving Transport Strategy. The RTA’s boss, Mattar Al Tayer, called it a “crucial step” forward, saying it shows Dubai’s serious about working with top tech companies. They’ve been testing self-driving stuff since 2016, and this is the latest leap. For now, it’s about getting things rolling smoothly. Uber’s tech will match riders with these autonomous vehicles (AVs), and they’re focusing on safety and keeping it easy to use. WeRide’s already a pro at this—they got the UAE’s first national license for self-driving cars back in July 2023 and launched robotaxis in Abu Dhabi with Uber last December. Dubai’s the next stop, and they’re promising more details soon on when you can hop in.
People are buzzing about it. It’s not just a cool idea—Uber’s Noah Zych, who heads their autonomous projects, said they’re building the “future of transportation” with partners like WeRide. The goal? Safe, reliable rides that fit Dubai’s dream of being a super-smart city. WeRide’s Jennifer Li added that their tech, paired with Uber’s huge platform, could change how millions get around worldwide.
No exact launch date yet, but the pilot’s coming, and it’s a big deal for Dubai—a city that loves to lead the way. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, get ready: the days of waving down a taxi might soon turn into tapping an app for a car that drives itself.