04:17 AM EST, 12/06/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Uber Technologies ( UBER ) and WeRide ( WRD ) said Friday they have launched autonomous ride-hailing services in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The companies said the service marks the first time autonomous vehicles are being offered on Uber ( UBER ) outside the US.

The UAE's Tawasul Transport will serve as fleet operator, the companies said. For now, each vehicle will be manned, with a fully driverless commercial service planned for later next year.

The service is being offered in key areas, including to and from the international airport, with expansion planned for the future, the companies said.