Uber and Pony.ai Partner to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in the Middle East

Published on: May 15, 2025

In a significant move towards autonomous transportation, Uber has announced a partnership with Chinese autonomous vehicle developer Pony.ai to deploy self-driving taxis in the Middle East. This collaboration marks a strategic expansion for both companies in the rapidly evolving robotaxi sector.

The Partnership Details

Uber and Pony.ai plan to introduce autonomous vehicles to Uber's ride-hailing platform, starting with a key market in the Middle East later this year. The initial phase will involve vehicles equipped with onboard safety operators, ensuring a smooth transition towards full autonomy in subsequent commercial deployments.

Strategic Expansion in the Robotaxi Market

This partnership is part of Uber's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the competitive robotaxi industry. In recent weeks, Uber has announced collaborations with several self-driving technology firms, including May Mobility, Momenta, and WeRide, aiming to expand its autonomous vehicle services globally. The company has also deepened its partnership with Alphabet's Waymo, highlighting its commitment to leading in autonomous transportation.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

Following the announcement, Pony.ai's shares, listed on Nasdaq since November, experienced a nearly 13% increase in premarket trading, reflecting investor confidence in the company's growth prospects. Uber's shares saw a slight decline of 1%.

Despite ongoing technical and regulatory challenges, the global race for autonomous vehicle deployment continues to accelerate. Governments are facilitating this transition by expanding exemptions from specific safety requirements while maintaining mandatory incident reporting, supporting the broader adoption of self-driving technology.

Founded in 2016 and backed by Toyota, Guangzhou-based Pony.ai has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development. The company currently operates licensed robotaxi services in major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Pony.ai is actively pursuing international expansion, with plans to enter markets such as South Korea, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong, in addition to the Middle East.

The collaboration between Uber and Pony.ai signifies a pivotal step in the evolution of ride-hailing services, integrating cutting-edge autonomous technology to enhance transportation efficiency and safety. As the partnership unfolds, it is poised to redefine mobility experiences in the Middle East and potentially set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide.

Stay tuned for more updates on advancements in autonomous transportation and global mobility solutions.