Chinese autonomous driving companies including WeRide and Baidu Apollo Go are expanding commercial robotaxi deployments across the UAE, specifically in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. WeRide has partnered with Uber and Grab, while Apollo Go has deployed autonomous taxis on Dubai streets. Alongside international rollouts, firms face market challenges including financial losses and stock volatility.
Hong Kong authorities granted Baidu's Apollo Go a fully driverless vehicle trial permit on Airport Island following extensive road tests. The deployment aligns with broader international expansion by Chinese autonomous driving operators, including WeRide's robotaxi operations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai in partnership with Uber and Grab. Financial and industry data show rapid trip volume growth alongside ongoing profitability and technical reliability challenges.
Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta Global plans to expand its robotaxi fleet to several thousand vehicles next year, targeting deployments in Dubai and additional European cities. The company is currently testing autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi, Munich, and five cities in China. Momenta is also collaborating with chipmaker XHeart on custom computing hardware to lower deployment costs.
Chinese autonomous-driving company Momenta is preparing to introduce robotaxis in Dubai in 2027 as part of an international rollout. The Mercedes-Benz-backed firm aims to expand its operating fleet from just over 100 vehicles to several thousand by the end of 2027. Momenta is already conducting autonomous vehicle testing in Abu Dhabi, Munich, and five Chinese cities.
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