Chery plans UAE robotaxi launch in 2027

Chery plans to launch its first robotaxi service in the United Arab Emirates in 2027, tying the move to a wider overseas expansion that also includes local vehicle production and energy infrastructure.

The company announced the strategy Friday, according to Pakistan Today. Executive Vice President Zhang Guibing said Chery was expanding manufacturing in overseas markets to create jobs and deepen cooperation with technology providers, reducing its reliance on vehicles exported from China.

Vehicles made outside China currently represent about 48% of Chery’s export volume. The company expects that proportion to exceed 50% by the end of 2026, rise to 60% in 2027 and reach 70% by 2030. Chery sells vehicles under the Omoda and Jaecoo brands.

The company also plans to begin developing fast-charging and energy-storage stations in overseas markets from 2027, naming the United Kingdom, Spain and Thailand. It presented the UAE robotaxi plan, overseas manufacturing and the energy investments as parts of an expansion into emerging automotive technologies and international markets.

The announcement follows UAE-focused cooperation agreements involving K2 outlined by Chery brands earlier this month, as we reported last week.

Chery would enter a UAE market where fully driverless commercial service is already operating in Abu Dhabi. WeRide and Uber launched Level 4 driverless robotaxis there, beginning on Yas Island, after WeRide obtained a federal commercial permit in October 2025 and WeRide and fleet operator Tawasul received an Abu Dhabi operating licence. The service is available through Uber’s Autonomous category, Uber Comfort and UberX.

Dubai also has its own autonomous-vehicle framework. Executive Council Resolution No. 3 of 2019 covers testing authorisations and driver requirements, while Law No. 9 of 2023 regulates operations, technical inspection, licensing and stakeholder obligations in the emirate.