WeRide, Geely-backed CaoCao lead Chinese self-driving move to UAE

Chinese autonomous-driving companies are ramping up activity in the United Arab Emirates, with WeRide receiving approval to launch a fully driverless robotaxi service and CaoCao entering the market.

WeRide, based in Guangzhou, has received approval from UAE authorities to operate Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi, allowing robotaxis to run without a safety operator.

Level 4 autonomy allows vehicles to drive without human intervention in most situations.

WeRide began testing in Abu Dhabi in 2021 through a partnership with local robotaxi platform TXAI, and extended its reach by working with Uber in 2024.

The company plans to expand its service to areas such as Khalifa City and Masdar City by the end of 2025, with rides available via both TXAI and Uber.

WeRide aims to grow its Middle East fleet to 1,000 vehicles by 2026.

On the same day, CaoCao, a Geely-backed ride-hailing firm, announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Office to explore autonomous taxi services in the city.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

A 1,000-vehicle autonomous vehicle (AV) fleet by 2026 opens gaps for charging and depots

Scaling to 1,000 robotaxis in Abu Dhabi’s hot, sandy climate will need fast chargers with high uptime and depot energy tools 3. Only ADNOC Distribution’s E2GO is named.
Abu Dhabi expects up to 70,000 charging points by 2030 4. E2GO backs that push while depots need dense high-power layouts that differ from public sites 4. Depot hardware and software vendors can fill that gap.
Property groups can pursue depot sites with facility operators in Khalifa City or Masdar City expansion zones 2. Vendors for thermal management or predictive maintenance or remote monitoring can pitch WeRide, Baidu, and CaoCao now. Depot work often starts 12 to 18 months before deliveries.