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WeRide & Uber Join Forces To Launch Autonomous Rides In UAE

The partnership will first bring autonomous vehicles to Abu Dhabi, with Uber leveraging WeRide’s extensive robotaxi expertise.

Published

4 months ago

September 26, 2024

Nour Nasir

WeRide

Autonomous vehicle experts WeRide have partnered with Uber Technologies to form a strategic collaboration that will integrate the Chinese tech firm’s autonomous vehicles into Uber’s ride-hailing app, starting in the United Arab Emirates.

After revealing news of the partnership, Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, said: “We are honored to partner with Uber to continue to bring our technology to global markets. Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much-needed, affordable, sustainable, and safe mobility solutions to a global audience”.

In addition, Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, added: “Uber is very excited to partner with WeRide. It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies like WeRide to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world”.

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The results of the collaboration will hopefully be seen later this year in Abu Dhabi, where a select number of WeRide autonomous vehicles will make their debut for Uber rides across the Emirate. Once the service is live, users who request eligible trips through the Uber app may get the opportunity to travel in a WeRide autonomous vehicle for their journey. The trial scheme is currently limited to the UAE, with no immediate plans by either company for expansion to regions such as the United States or China.

WeRide already operates the largest fleet of robotaxis in the UAE, with its services accessible through the TXAI app. Moreover, in July 2023, the tech company received the UAE’s first national license for self-driving cars, which authorized the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads throughout the country.

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News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

6 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

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The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.