Now, you can experience a driverless ride in certain areas of Abu Dhabi, thanks to Uber's partnership with WeRide for select trips. Uber app users can increase their chances of being matched with WeRide vehicles by opting in through the Ride Preferences section in the app's settings when booking UberX or Uber Comfort services.
Initially, the service will be available in specific zones, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport, with plans to extend coverage to other parts of Abu Dhabi in the future. During the introductory phase, a safety operator will be onboard each vehicle to guarantee a secure and dependable experience for both passengers and pedestrians. This phase is a precursor to the full commercial rollout of driverless services scheduled for 2025.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, has observed the launch of this autonomous mobility service on Uber. Under the auspices of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), Tawasul Transport will manage the WeRide fleet on the Uber platform, with the backing of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).
Dr Abdulla Al Ghafli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), stated: "This initiative marks a crucial step in our mission to upgrade transportation and embrace cutting-edge technologies. We are certain that employing a smart transport system, such as self-driving vehicles, will provide passengers with a distinctive and secure experience." He added, "This will also greatly aid in the transition to more sustainable and efficient transportation options in Abu Dhabi. We are committed to enhancing Abu Dhabi's capacity to adopt smart solutions that improve the quality of life for our residents. We anticipate further collaboration with our domestic and international partners to bring this vision to fruition."
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