RAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 02, 2025 — WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, announced today the initiation of its Robotaxi GXR and Robobus pilot operations, launched in collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA).
This marks WeRide’s initial deployment within Ras Al Khaimah and signifies its expansion into a third emirate across the UAE. The pilot scheme involves integrating WeRide’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Ras Al Khaimah’s existing public transport network, thereby establishing a foundation for broader commercialization throughout the country. As the exclusive partner chosen for the emirate’s smart mobility strategy, WeRide holds the distinction of being the first and only AV company with operational presence in Ras Al Khaimah.
The inauguration event saw His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, take the inaugural ride aboard the WeRide Robobus on public thoroughfares. He was joined by Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, and H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director General of RAKTA, highlighting robust China-UAE cooperation in advanced transportation solutions.
From right: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and Zhang Yiming, Chinese ambassador to the UAE, riding WeRide’s Robobus
Effective today, WeRide’s Robobus will serve nine designated stops on Al Marjan Island, a rapidly developing tourism and lifestyle hub in Ras Al Khaimah. These routes will link various hotels, resorts, and prominent sites, including the Mövenpick Resort, Hampton by Hilton, and Pullman Hotel, with future plans to extend service to Mina Island. Concurrently, the Robotaxi GXR will operate within the city center of Ras Al Khaimah, extending autonomous mobility services beyond tourist areas to cater to the daily needs of residents.
Commercial operations are slated to commence in early 2026, integrating seamlessly into RAKTA’s public transport framework. Passengers will be able to reserve Robotaxi rides and monitor Robobus locations via RAKTA’s dedicated digital mobility application. Services will initially include a safety officer on board, with fully driverless operations envisioned for a subsequent phase, pending regulatory approval.
This launch represents a crucial achievement in RAKTA’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2030, which aims to incorporate diverse transport modes into the existing mobility network while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability. As part of this overarching plan, RAKTA is actively developing a regulatory framework for the autonomous mobility sector, adhering to international best practices, and building local capabilities to oversee its effective implementation.
To foster enhanced collaboration, WeRide also executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RAKTA during the launch event. This MoU outlines the provision of advanced technical solutions, operational assistance, and training to ensure the secure and efficient deployment of AVs across Ras Al Khaimah. Signed by H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Alblooshi, Director General of RAKTA, and Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International of WeRide, the agreement paves the way for future commercial ventures and the broader integration of WeRide’s AVs into the emirate’s transportation infrastructure.
The commencement of pilot operations and the signing of the MoU follow His Highness Sheikh Saud’s visit to WeRide’s headquarters in Guangzhou last November.
Often referred to as the “Las Vegas of the Middle East,” Ras Al Khaimah is intensifying its tourism development efforts, particularly on Al Marjan Island, which is set to host the Middle East’s inaugural casino. Through its collaboration with RAKTA, WeRide is supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for autonomous transport by improving first- and last-mile connectivity and contributing to the establishment of protocols and operational benchmarks for the broader deployment of AVs within the city.
About WeRide
WeRide stands as a global leader and pioneer in the autonomous driving industry, recognized as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have undergone testing or commenced operations in more than 30 cities across 11 countries. We are also the sole technology company whose products have secured autonomous driving permits in seven distinct markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US. Powered by the intelligent, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide delivers autonomous driving products and services ranging from L2 to L4, addressing transportation requirements across mobility, logistics, and sanitation sectors. WeRide was honored with inclusion in Fortune’s 2025 Change the World and 2025 Future 50 lists.
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