Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER.N) has introduced fully autonomous robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, marking its debut of driverless operations outside the U.S. and a notable milestone in its international growth. The company has teamed up with Chinese autonomous driving company
WeRide
(WRD.O),
Uber
started providing autonomous rides via its UberX and Uber Comfort services in specific zones on Yas Island as of November 26, 2025.
This development makes Abu Dhabi the first city in the Middle East
to offer a fully driverless ridesharing experience.
The partnership with WeRide, first announced in September 2024, aligns with Uber’s broader plan to incorporate autonomous vehicles into its business. Previously, Uber joined forces with Waymo to roll out driverless rides in Austin, Phoenix, and Atlanta, and Abu Dhabi is now part of this expansion.
Uber highlighted that its UAE launch
marks a key achievement in scaling up its autonomous mobility offerings, with ambitions to reach 15 more cities worldwide—including some in Europe—over the next five years.
On the financial front, Uber’s latest results have strengthened investor sentiment. Revenue for the third quarter climbed to $13.47 billion, while net income reached $6.63 billion for the period ending September 30,
up from $11.19 billion in revenue and $2.61 billion in net profit
during the same quarter in 2024. Analysts remain upbeat: Justin Post of Bank of America continues to rate the stock as a "Buy" with a $119 price target, and the consensus target on Wall Street is $115.96.
Nevertheless, there has been a rise in insider share sales
, such as CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah’s recent sale of 5,500 shares for $519,200.
Uber’s launch in Abu Dhabi also underscores its competitive edge in the autonomous vehicle market.
Tesla’s recent authorization
to run a ride-hailing service in Arizona—currently limited to human drivers—highlights the intensifying competition in the industry. At the same time, Uber’s collaborations go beyond transportation:
its partnership with Delta Air Lines
to allow Uber rides to earn SkyMiles points further broadens its service ecosystem.
Despite these strides, Uber still faces obstacles. Regulatory and legal challenges persist, as illustrated by India’s proposed ban on bike taxis, where
the government is being urged to consult with stakeholders
before finalizing new rules. Moreover,
research has shown
that only a small number of users compare fares between Uber and Lyft, which may reduce competitive pricing pressure even when rates differ. Uber’s move into Abu Dhabi, however, reflects a strategic shift toward using autonomous technology to set itself apart in a competitive landscape.
