AsianFin -- Chinese robotaxi companies are increasingly turning to the Gulf as a springboard for their global ambitions, drawn by a supportive regulatory landscape and strong demand for ride-hailing services.

The latest move came this week from Pony.ai, which announced a partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, becoming the third major Chinese player—after Baidu and WeRide—to secure an agreement in the United Arab Emirates. Pony.ai aims to begin vehicle trials in Dubai later this year, with fully driverless operations scheduled to launch in 2026.

WeRide also revealed plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, where it has been testing its autonomous vehicles in cities like Riyadh. The company expects to begin commercial operations there by late 2025.

These developments come on the heels of WeRide’s rollout of fully driverless robotaxi trials in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. Commercial rides in the UAE capital are set to begin by the end of June, with plans to expand into Dubai shortly thereafter.