Chinese Robotaxi Operators Expand in UAE as Bilateral Technology Cooperation Strengthens

Chinese autonomous driving companies including WeRide, Baidu Apollo Go, and Momenta are expanding commercial robotaxi deployments across the UAE, specifically targeting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Momenta announced plans to launch commercial robotaxis in Dubai by 2027 and increase its global fleet to several thousand vehicles over the next 18 months. Meanwhile, WeRide is scaling regional operations via partnerships with Uber and Grab, and Baidu Apollo Go has deployed autonomous taxis on Dubai roads supported by a 2,000-square-metre operations control centre. These commercial rollouts support Dubai's strategy to convert 25 percent of all mobility trips into driverless journeys.

The commercial transport activities coincide with deepened bilateral ties reaffirmed during the eighth meeting of the UAE-China Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Committee in Abu Dhabi. Co-chaired by UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to advance digital economy growth and cultivate investment in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart transportation solutions.

Under the agreements, both governments committed to launching programs for small and medium-sized enterprises in fintech, healthcare, and advanced technologies, as well as fostering trade facilitation for exporters and importers. Bilateral collaboration will also focus on clean energy and joint smart transport initiatives.

According to official data disclosed by Minister Bin Touq, over 14,500 economic licenses have been issued to Chinese businesses in the UAE, with China standing as the UAE's third-largest contributor of foreign direct investment at $6.3 billion. Bilateral investment reached a record $15 billion in 2022. Air connectivity between the two nations includes more than 210 monthly flights operated by UAE national carriers, supporting an estimated 350,000 Chinese residents in the Emirates.