WeRide and Uber Expand Partnership to Deploy 1,200 Robotaxis in the Middle East
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 06 2026
0mins
WeRide (WRD) and Uber (UBER) announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to deploy at least 1,200 robotaxis across the Middle East. The deployment, which will span Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, is expected to be completed as soon as 2027. All 1,200 Robotaxis will be available through the Uber app in the three markets, following existing fully driverless commercial Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi and passenger operations in Dubai and Riyadh. The fleet will be scaled up progressively, with Uber committed to adding more Robotaxis as key regulatory approvals and performance milestones are met, including the launch of fully driverless commercial operations covering the core areas of each city.
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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: 6.730
Low
12.00
Averages
14.77
High
17.00
Current: 6.730
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.
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- 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.
See More
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- 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.
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See More
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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.
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See More
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- Significant Price Decline: Over the past 12 months, Recursion Pharmaceuticals has experienced a steep decline of 68.19%, highlighting ongoing challenges the company faces, prompting investors to remain vigilant against potential risks.
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- Partnership Expansion: Uber is collaborating with multiple charging network operators using 'utilization guarantee agreements,' partnering with EVgo in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston, as well as Electra in Paris and Madrid, to strengthen its charging network in support of autonomous services.
- Financial Performance Growth: In its Q4 2025 earnings report, Uber reported a 20% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching $14.37 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, although its adjusted EPS of 71 cents missed the consensus estimate of 80 cents, indicating challenges between growth and profitability.
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See More
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See More
