WeRide and Uber Launch Abu Dhabi's First Robotaxi Service
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 12 2026
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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
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 6.340
Low
12.00
Averages
14.77
High
17.00
Current: 6.340
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.
- Earnings Release Schedule: WeRide is set to announce its unaudited financial results for Q4 and full year 2025 on March 23, 2026, before U.S. market open, which is expected to positively influence investor confidence.
- Conference Call Details: The management will host an earnings call at 8:00 A.M. ET on the same day, providing in-depth analysis of the financial results, aimed at enhancing transparency and investor relations.
- Global Market Leadership: As a global leader in autonomous driving technology, WeRide has tested its vehicles in over 30 cities across 11 countries, showcasing its strong competitive edge and market penetration in the autonomous driving sector.
- Industry Recognition: WeRide was named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World and Future 50 lists, further solidifying its leadership position in the autonomous driving industry and attracting increased investor interest.
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- Data Center Dominance: Nvidia's fiscal 2026 revenue reached $215.9 billion, with data centers contributing 89.7%, highlighting its strong demand in the AI sector and market leadership, which will continue to drive growth.
- New Product Architecture: The newly launched Rubin architecture features six new chips designed to capitalize on the 'agentic AI inflection point', enhancing computational capabilities and providing robust support for enterprise-level AI applications, likely expanding market share.
- Physical AI Potential: Although physical AI contributed over $6 billion to Nvidia's 2026 revenue, accounting for less than 3% of total revenue, the anticipated proliferation of autonomous driving and robotics is expected to create hundreds of billions in market opportunities, driving diversified growth.
- Long-Term Growth Outlook: Nvidia's investment strategy does not rely on the rapid rise of physical AI, as its existing generative AI business is already a high-margin cash cow, and widespread adoption of agentic AI will further enhance the company's overall growth potential.
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- Impressive Financials: Nvidia achieved a record $215.9 billion in revenue and $120.1 billion in net income for fiscal 2026, demonstrating strong performance in the data center segment, which is expected to continue driving stock growth over the next decade.
- Data Center Dominance: Data centers accounted for 89.7% of Nvidia's fiscal 2026 revenue, and while other segments like gaming and AI personal computing contribute less, there remains significant growth potential in these areas.
- New Product Architecture: The newly launched Rubin architecture features six new chips designed to support generative and agentic AI applications, which are expected to drive enterprise adoption of AI agents and expand market opportunities.
- Physical AI Market Potential: Nvidia's physical AI has already contributed over $6 billion in revenue for fiscal 2026, and although it currently serves niche markets, the expected proliferation of robotaxis and robotics could generate hundreds of billions in revenue over the next decade.
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- Service Suspension Reason: WeRide has suspended its robotaxi service in Dubai due to escalating regional conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, prioritizing the safety of employees and customers amid heightened security risks.
- Operational Impact: This decision affects WeRide's driverless fleet operating in partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority and Uber, particularly in areas like Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, hindering the implementation of Dubai's autonomous transport strategy.
- Employee Safety Measures: The company has instructed regional staff to work remotely and avoid non-essential travel, with all Dubai robotaxis moved to indoor parking facilities while awaiting clearer security signals before resuming operations.
- Market Reaction: Despite maintaining normal operations in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, WeRide's stock has dropped 7.5% this week, while Pony AI has also seen a decline of over 5%, reflecting negative market sentiment regarding the geopolitical situation.
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- Service Expansion: Waymo launched its robotaxi service in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando, increasing its operational cities to ten in the U.S., thereby solidifying its leadership in the North American driverless ride-hailing market.
- User Invitations: The company plans to invite 'select riders' who have downloaded its app for their first local rides, with a goal to gradually open the service to more passengers by the end of 2026, aiming to secure loyal riders and convert skeptics among U.S. drivers.
- Technology Upgrade: In the new markets, Waymo will utilize its fifth-generation driver system in base model Jaguar I-PACE sedans, while also offering rides with its sixth-generation system to employees and guests in California, demonstrating its commitment to technological advancement.
- Market Performance: As of the end of January, Waymo operated over 3,000 autonomous vehicles, providing over 400,000 paid trips weekly and surpassing 20 million trips overall, despite facing investigations from regulators and criticism regarding vehicle behavior during power outages.
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- Proposal Withdrawal Impact: New York Governor Hochul's withdrawal of the commercial robotaxi proposal significantly impacts Waymo, which plans to expand its services to several new cities, indicating a lack of support for autonomous vehicle technology in the state.
- Market Potential Limited: The proposal aimed to allow limited deployment of robotaxis outside New York City, but opposition from labor unions and transit workers prevented it from gaining necessary support, restricting Waymo's market expansion opportunities in New York.
- Testing Permit Unaffected: Despite the proposal's withdrawal, Waymo's testing in New York City will continue, having received a permit from the Department of Transportation, indicating that the company's long-term strategy in the region remains intact.
- Intensifying Competition: Waymo plans to launch its commercial driverless ride-hailing service in cities like Dallas, Denver, and Washington D.C., but faces increasing pressure from competitors such as Tesla and Amazon-owned Zoox, intensifying market competition.
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