
Uber plans to deploy 20,000 robotaxis over next six years
The company said the fleet would be made up of SUVs by US electric vehicles manufacturer Lucid and equipped with self-driving technology developed by start-up Nuro.
"The vehicles will be owned and operated by Uber or its third-party fleet partners and made available to riders exclusively via the Uber platform," the ride-hailing giant said in a statement.
Uber has already demonstrated its ambition to become the leading platform for robotaxis, having signed deals with German car giant Volkswagen and Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Google's parent firm Alphabet.
In some US cities, Waymo self-driving cars are already available on the platform. Robotaxis from Volkswagen are also set to be added to the offering.
Earlier this week, Uber also announced a new partnership with Chinese self-driving car firm Momenta aimed at introducing autonomous services outside the US and China.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al Etihad
26 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
Stocks mostly rise on EU-US trade deal hopes
24 July 2025 15:26 LONDON (AFP)Stock markets mostly extended gains Thursday as optimism grew that the European Union could soon strike a trade deal with the United States, following the Japan-US have benefitted in recent weeks from bets that governments will eventually hammer out pacts with Donald Trump ahead of the US president's August 1 deadline to avoid steeper levies."The positive sentiment generated by the trade deal agreed between the US and Japan continued to permeate the markets," said AJ Bell investment director, Russ was boosted further by "optimism surrounding trade talks between the US and EU," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Rostro trading group. London's FTSE 100 gained almost one percent, lifted also by a stream of robust earnings, including from consumer goods group Reckitt, mobile phone giant Vodafone and Lloyds Bank. Frankfurt rose, along with most other European stocks, as the European Union and Washington appeared close to a deal that would set a baseline 15-percent levy on EU goods, down from a threatened 30 percent.A European Commission spokesman said Thursday that he believed a trade deal with the United States is "within reach."According to multiple diplomats, the deal could waive tariffs on aircraft, lumber, pharmaceutical products, and agricultural bloc, however, is still forging ahead with contingency plans in case talks fail, with member states approving a 93-billion-euro package of counter-tariffs on US opening higher, Paris slipped in midday trading, dragged down by a drop in luxury stocks and disappointing earnings from fossil fuel giant TotalEnergies and chipmaker STMicroelectronics, which plunged 10 on Thursday, the European Central Bank is expected to leave interest rates unchanged as higher US tariffs hang in the Asia, stocks advanced following another record day for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq on Wall Street on added more than one percent, building on a more than three percent surge on Wednesday on the back of the Japan-US trade Kong and Shanghai also kept an eye on Tokyo after Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba denied discussing his resignation with party elders on Wednesday, as speculation about his future intensified following a weekend election stocks gained in Europe after a flurry of earnings reports were received well by the market. Deutsche Bank posted its highest second-quarter profit since 2007, which sent its shares surging more than seven percent in Frankfurt. French banking giant BNP Paribas announced a record annual profit for 2025, and UK bank Lloyds reported a rise in first-half net profit.


Gulf Business
39 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
Uber launches Senior Accounts in MENA to support older adults' mobility
Uber has introduced a new feature across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region designed to make transportation easier and more accessible for older adults. The launch of Senior Accounts and Simple Mode aims to help older people travel independently while giving their families peace of mind. Now available in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon, the feature allows family members to set up and manage rides for older relatives, even if they live in different cities or countries. Senior Accounts are part of Uber's Family Profiles and provide a streamlined version of the app with larger text, simplified navigation, and the ability for trusted family members to provide remote assistance. For users who prefer to ride on their own, Simple Mode can be activated through the app's accessibility settings, offering a user-friendly interface with fewer steps and clearer prompts. 'These features reflect the company's ongoing efforts to make the Uber app a platform that works for the entire family, from teens to seniors,' the company said. Building on the success of Teen Accounts, Uber is bridging another important gap in the mobility space. 'In the MENA region, where strong family ties and intergenerational support are a way of life, this offering will help older adults stay independent and connected, with the reassurance that loved ones are always just a tap away.' Read: The features come as mobility challenges for seniors in the region—such as limited public transport access, long distances, or extreme heat—can pose significant barriers. Senior Accounts bridge these gaps by allowing older riders to save favourite destinations, choose flexible payment options, and share trip details in real time with loved ones. Family members can also book or monitor rides remotely through the app. How it works: A family organiser creates a Family Profile and invites an older adult to join as a senior. The senior receives a text message with a link to download the app and register. Once set up, they can request rides themselves or allow a family member to manage trips on their behalf. For those not added to a Family Profile, Simple Mode remains available as an independent feature through the app's accessibility settings. Following successful launches in the US, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, Uber's rollout in the MENA region underscores its broader strategy of building inclusive technology that meets the needs of all age groups. The company developed these features in collaboration with older riders and accessibility experts to ensure the platform works for every stage of life.


Fintech News ME
2 hours ago
- Fintech News ME
Qlub Raises $30M to Expand Contactless Dining Platform Globally
Qlub, a restaurant payment solution based Dubai, has raised US$30 million in a funding round to support its international expansion. The round was co-led by Shorooq Partners and Cherry Ventures, with participation from strategic backers including e&, Mubadala Investments, and Legend Capital. Launched in 2021 by Eyad Alkassar and Mahmoud Fouz, Qlub has become widely used across Dubai's dining scene. The platform enables customers to scan a QR code to browse menus, place orders, and pay directly from their smartphones, removing the need for physical menus and traditional payment methods. This technology aims to streamline restaurant operations and improve the overall dining experience. Qlub is now present in thousands of venues across several markets, including Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Brazil, Qatar, Kuwait, and Korea. It processes a few billion US dollars annually and reaches millions of users each month. Its client portfolio includes restaurants such as Paul Cafe, Wagamama, Sushi Samba, and La Petite Maison. Reported outcomes from adopting Qlub include a 300% increase in tips, a sevenfold rise in positive Google reviews, and an 80% reduction in checkout wait times. Restaurants also note reductions in labor costs and improved space efficiency by decreasing the number of required cashier stations. The company plans to use the new funds to deepen its footprint in existing markets, expand into new regions, and continue developing its product, particularly by integrating analytics that offer restaurants more detailed insights into customer behavior and preferences. 'Our vision is simple: Qlub makes paying at restaurants ten times faster, and that elevates the entire dining experience,' said Eyad Alkassar. 'Why would any restaurant, anywhere in the world, choose to operate without it?' Mahmoud Fouz said, 'We're thrilled to have the support of investors, both new and existing partners, as we continue to build Qlub's vision. We're grateful for the confidence our investors have placed in us and excited for what lies ahead.'