The future of transportation is quietly arriving in the United Arab Emirates, where passengers opening their Uber app in Abu Dhabi are greeted with an unusual first option: “autonomous.”
According to sources, Chinese robotaxi companies are rapidly establishing themselves across the Emirates, transforming the region into a testing ground for driverless technology as the UAE pushes toward clean energy initiatives and economic diversification beyond its traditional oil and gas sectors.
WeRide and Baidu’s Apollo Go have recently secured fully driverless permits in Abu Dhabi, allowing their vehicles to operate without safety drivers behind the wheel. Meanwhile, Pony.ai has begun pilot testing in Dubai, and CaoCao, a ride-hailing service backed by Chinese carmaker Geely, has become the fourth Chinese robotaxi operator to enter the market.
The deployment represents a significant milestone for autonomous vehicle technology in the Middle East, though the rollout remains modest compared to operations in China. On Yas Island, robotaxis were barely visible even during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one of the busiest events of the year. This stands in contrast to cities like Wuhan, where a substantially larger fleet of self-driving cars, predominantly Apollo Go vehicles, operates throughout downtown areas on typical workdays.
For riders in designated zones, the experience is straightforward. After selecting pick-up and drop-off points through the Uber application, vehicles arrive within minutes at precise locations. Passengers then tap a “Start” button on a tablet mounted behind the front seat to begin their journey.
The presence of multiple Chinese companies signals the UAE’s openness to international partnerships in emerging technologies. As traditional ride-hailing services continue alongside these autonomous options, the Emirates is positioning itself as a regional pioneer in accepting and integrating self-driving vehicles into everyday transportation networks.
This expansion into Middle Eastern markets represents a strategic move by Chinese robotaxi operators seeking growth opportunities beyond their home country, where competition has intensified. The UAE’s modern infrastructure, supportive regulatory environment, and commitment to technological advancement make it an attractive destination for companies.
