A major Chinese self-driving car company has temporarily halted its autonomous taxi operations in Dubai as tensions escalate across the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
WeRide, which specializes in autonomous vehicle technology, made the decision to pause its Dubai robotaxi service as conflicts in the region intensify, affecting key Middle Eastern markets that have become attractive destinations for the emerging self-driving taxi industry.
The Gulf region has become a popular expansion target for Chinese autonomous vehicle companies in recent years, drawn by supportive government regulations and strong consumer interest in ride-sharing services.
WeRide, which first launched its regional robotaxi operations in 2021, confirmed Tuesday that its self-driving taxi fleets in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh remain operational and continue serving the public with regular commercial service.
The company stated that all regional staff members are “currently working from home and limiting unnecessary outings to ensure their safety and well-being.”
Other major Chinese robotaxi companies are also closely watching the regional situation. Baidu’s Apollo Go division and Pony.ai are both evaluating their Middle Eastern operations.
According to a company spokesperson, Apollo Go is “in close coordination with local regulators and will adjust our services as needed to ensure the continued safety of our staff and an orderly response to the local environment.”
Baidu’s robotaxi division just launched commercial self-driving taxi services in Abu Dhabi this past January.
Meanwhile, Pony.ai had previously paused its road testing programs in both Doha and Dubai, but resumed testing operations in Doha on Monday.
The company plans to restart its Dubai testing program “at an appropriate time,” according to officials, noting that its regional operations remain in the testing phase.
