WeRide, a Chinese autonomous driving company, has suspended 'its robotaxi fleet' in Dubai due to the escalating U.S.-Israel war with Iran that is roiling key?Middle Eastern _hubs which have emerged as robotaxi industry’s most promising markets.

Chinese robotaxi companies have been flocking to the Gulf in recent years, as their first overseas expansion outpost. Attracted by a "friendly regulatory environment" and a robust demand for ride hailing services.

WeRide has been operating robotaxis in the region, since 2021. On Tuesday, it announced that its robotaxi fleets in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and other cities are continuing their regular passenger and public operations.

To ensure their safety, all employees in the region "are currently?working at home and limiting unnecessary trips."

Baidu's Apollo Go, and Pony.ai are two other major Chinese robotaxi companies that monitor the situation in the area.

Apollo Go "was in close coordination with the local?regulators, and will adjust our service as needed to ensure continued safety for our staff and an orderly response to local environment," said a statement from the company.

In January, the robotaxi unit at Baidu launched its commercial robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi.

Pony.ai had suspended its on-road tests?in Doha, Dubai and Doha before returning to testing on Monday.

The company says it will resume testing in Dubai at a "suitable time".

(source: Reuters)