Uber Technologies Inc. has made a significant leap in its autonomous vehicle strategy by launching its first international robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This move, in collaboration with Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide, marks Uber's first foray into offering autonomous rides outside the United States. The service is initially available in key tourist and business areas such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and routes to and from Zayed International Airport.

The partnership with WeRide, a company known for its autonomous driving technology and as the first publicly listed Robotaxi company, is a strategic move for Uber. WeRide's vehicles, which have been operational in various countries, will initially include safety drivers, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations by 2025. This phased approach allows Uber to manage risks while gathering valuable data and operational experience in a new market.

Uber's collaboration with WeRide is part of a broader strategy to integrate autonomous vehicles into its platform globally. The company has also partnered with other autonomous technology firms like Cruise, Waymo, and Motional. However, the launch in Abu Dhabi is particularly noteworthy due to the UAE's supportive regulatory environment and commitment to smart city initiatives.

The service is supported by Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre and will be operated by Tawasul Transport, a local fleet operator. This collaboration underscores Uber's strategy of leveraging local expertise to ensure service quality and regulatory compliance.

Despite the positive outlook, Uber's stock recently faced a downturn, dropping nearly 10% following Waymo's announcement of a robotaxi service in Miami. This highlights the competitive landscape in the autonomous vehicle sector, where companies like Waymo and potentially Tesla are seen as formidable players.

Overall, Uber's launch of its first international robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi represents a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy, positioning the company to capture a share of the growing autonomous ride-hailing market.