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.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority and DIEZ have opened Dubai Mobility Labs at Dubai Silicon Oasis, offering 248 autonomous vehicle testing scenarios. Chinese autonomous driving developers WeRide and Pony.ai, alongside Tesla, have conducted trials at the facility, which DEKRA will operate for three years.
Chinese autonomous vehicle developers are expanding commercial operations in Dubai to align with the emirate's goal of making 25 percent of transport trips driverless by 2030. Baidu's Apollo Go launched commercial services in March, WeRide has deployed over 200 vehicles in the region, and Pony.ai plans to begin commercial robotaxi services later this year.
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