News

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

8 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

UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

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Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.