Chinese technology companies expanding in the Middle East have halted or scaled back services due to the Iran conflict, reported Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post.
Baidu suspended its Apollo robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi and testing in Dubai in line with local authority requirements. The company had launched services in the UAE capital in January.
Meituan said all staff were ordered to work remotely until further notice. The food delivery giant, operating under the Keeta brand, has expanded into the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. It warned services could be limited or suspended in some areas to ensure safety.
WeRide, a Guangzhou-based autonomous driving start-up, runs robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh with nearly 100 staff. The company said its Dubai fleet was suspended pending regulatory clearance, while operations in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh continued. Employees were working remotely and limiting outings, according to Eric Dong, a WeRide employee in the region. Vehicles were moved indoors and essential supplies stocked.
