Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide has officially launched a pilot program for its robotaxi and robobus services in Ras Al Khaimah, marking the company’s expansion into its third UAE emirate. This initiative, established through a strategic partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), aims to integrate autonomous vehicles into the emirate’s public transport network, with commercial operations slated to commence in early 2026.
A Royal Inauguration
The launch was marked by a significant milestone as His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, became the first passenger to experience the WeRide robobus on public roads. He was accompanied by Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, and H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director General of RAKTA, underscoring the high-level support for the project.
Pilot Program Details
The initial phase will see WeRide’s Robobus operating across nine stops on the prominent tourism and lifestyle hub, Al Marjan Island. This route will connect key hotels and resorts, including the Mövenpick Resort, Hampton by Hilton, and Pullman Hotel. Future plans involve extending the service to Mina Island to enhance first- and last-mile connectivity for residents and visitors. In parallel, WeRide will deploy its latest generation robotaxi, the GXR, to serve Ras Al Khaimah’s city centre, bringing autonomous mobility beyond tourist areas. By early 2026, passengers will be able to book rides and monitor vehicle locations through RAKTA’s digital mobility application.
Strategic Partnership and Regulatory Framework
The collaboration is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between WeRide and RAKTA, covering the provision of advanced technical solutions, operational support, and comprehensive training to ensure the safe and efficient deployment of the autonomous fleet. Initially, all services will operate with a safety officer on board. RAKTA is concurrently developing a robust regulatory framework to pave the way for fully driverless operations pending final approval.
WeRide’s Expanding UAE Footprint
WeRide’s entry into Ras Al Khaimah builds on four years of trials and successful operations across the GCC. The company began its regional journey with autonomous vehicle trials on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat and Yas Islands in 2021. Since then, WeRide has launched the region’s first fully driverless robotaxi services in select Abu Dhabi districts and announced a partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The company also recently expanded into Saudi Arabia, deploying autonomous vehicles in Riyadh and AlUla, solidifying its position as a key player in the Middle East’s smart mobility revolution.
About WeRide
WeRide is a global autonomous driving technology company and the first publicly traded robotaxi company. It holds permits for autonomous driving in seven markets, including China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, France, Belgium, and the United States, developing solutions for smart mobility and urban logistics.
Source: Middle East AI News
