WeRide Begins Dubai Robotaxi Trials with 1,000 Vehicle Expansion Plan

WeRide Inc. has made significant strides in expanding its autonomous vehicle technology globally. The company recently secured a permit for Robotaxi trials in Dubai, marking a key step in its Middle East expansion with an initial 50-vehicle fleet set to operate in strategic areas before expanding to major hubs like Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai International Airport. WeRide aims to grow its regional fleet to 1,000 vehicles and eventually deploy tens of thousands worldwide by 2030, with fully driverless operations targeted for 2026. The company also received Belgium’s first federal test permit for its Level 4 autonomous Robobus, making it the only firm with autonomous driving permits in seven countries, including Belgium, China, France, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the US. Despite the company’s commercial momentum and technological progress, including winning first place and nearly $1 million at the Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, shares fell amid new Chinese export licensing requirements for electric vehicles beginning in 2026. WeRide’s Robotaxi services are currently active or being tested in 11 cities worldwide, reflecting its rapid global commercialization efforts.