In partnership with Uber and autonomous vehicle company WeRide, Abu Dhabi has launched driverless ride services, therefore representing a major turn in the direction of emirate transportation. This project lets locals and guests use self-driving technology in specific locations, therefore opening the path for a better, safer, and more environmentally friendly future.

Service Areas and Accessibility

The driverless Uber service is now running in particular areas of Abu Dhabi, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and paths to and from Zayed International Airport. To access this function, users must activate the "Ride Preferences" choice inside the Uber app settings, When booking UberX or Uber Comfort rides, riders who opt in raise their chances of being matched with a WeRide autonomous car.

In the next years, the service is supposed to grow to other parts of Abu Dhabi, This staged introduction guarantees a slow incorporation of autonomous cars into the transportation system and lets authorities improve operations depending on user comments and technology developments.

Safety Steps and First Phase

Every driverless car in the first phase is fitted with a safety operator. For those first-time service seekers, the operator guarantees passenger safety and keeps an eye on the system, thereby offering piece of mind, Projected to start in 2025, this transitional phase prepares the ground for a totally commercial autonomous ride service.

This cautious approach guarantees a safe and dependable experience for drivers, pedestrians and other road users by matching with worldwide best practices for implementing autonomous technology.

Following the introduction of the service, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs has directed the initiative. Underlying the project is the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), making sure it fits Abu Dhabi's future transportation agenda.

Under support from the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), local transportation operator Tawasul Transport runs the WeRide fleet on the Uber platform, Key actor in Abu Dhabi's mobility scene, the ITC is instrumental in including cutting-edge technologies into the city's transportation networks.

Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, Dr. Abdulla Al Ghafli stressed the more general goals of the project. He underlined how using autonomous cars marks a major turning point in improving the transportation system of the emirate. "This project marks a major turning point toward our objectives of improving transportation and implementing the most recent sophisticated technologies. We are sure that using a smart transportation service, such self-driving cars, would give consumers a special and safe experience, he said.

Dr. Al Ghafli also emphasized the environmental advantages since autonomous cars will hasten Abu Dhabi's shift to sustainable and effective transportation options, These cars fit the emirate's sustainability and quality of life commitment by lowering emissions and streamlining routes.

The project represents Abu Dhabi's commitment to actualize its goal for smart transportation by means of cooperation with local and worldwide partners, Abu Dhabi shows its capacity to combine modern worldwide technologies with its local infrastructure by working with Uber and WeRide, This cooperation also helps Abu Dhabi's reputation as a progressive city that welcomes creativity to satisfy local requirements as well as those of its guests.

The autonomous Uber service in Abu Dhabi is evidence of the emirate's will to embrace cutting-edge technologies and rethink urban mobility. As the service grows and changes, it will be expected to set a standard for other cities all around using autonomous mobility options.

The project not only improves daily travels but also helps Abu Dhabi's more general objectives of technical innovation and environmental stewardship by offering a flawless mix of safety, convenience, and sustainability, This project is essential in determining the direction of UAE transportation as full commercialization is just around the corner.