Chinese Self-Driving Firms Accelerate Into Middle East, Southeast Asia
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Chinese autonomous driving companies are accelerating their expansion into overseas markets, securing major financing and landing pilot projects in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Autonomous delivery vehicle maker Neolix Technologies Co. Ltd. last month raised more than $600 million in a Series D funding round led by Dubai-based investment firm Stone Venture, laying the financial foundation for its foray into the United Arab Emirates. The move is part of a broader trend that has seen Chinese players like Mogo.ai Information and Technology Co. Ltd. establish a presence in overseas markets.
As the industry matures on the Chinese mainland, these companies are seeking new avenues for growth and commercialization abroad. Their overseas expansion is a test of not only their technology but also their ability to navigate complex and varied international regulations, address data localization requirements, and adapt to different business cultures. This push signals a new phase in the global race for autonomous mobility, where Chinese firms are emerging as significant contenders.
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- Chinese autonomous driving companies like Neolix, Mogo.ai, WeRide, Baidu, and Didi are expanding rapidly overseas, focusing on the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Neolix secured $600 million in funding, received the UAE’s first license for unmanned logistics vehicles, and plans to deploy 5,000 vehicles by end of 2026.
- These firms face regulatory and data localization challenges, with pilot projects in the UAE, Singapore, and partnerships with local governments and companies.
- Neolix Technologies Co. Ltd.
- Neolix Technologies Co. Ltd. is a Chinese autonomous delivery vehicle maker specializing in Level 4 autonomous vehicles for urban logistics. It recently raised over $600 million in Series D funding and plans to make the Middle East its first major overseas market. Neolix secured the first license for unmanned logistics vehicles in the UAE and aims for 5,000-10,000 annual overseas sales by 2027.
- Mogo.ai Information and Technology Co. Ltd.
- Mogo.ai Information and Technology Co. Ltd., also known as 魔弓智能, is a Chinese self-driving company expanding into overseas markets. In October, they partnered with BYD Co. Ltd. to launch Singapore's first pilot project for Level 4 autonomous buses, providing self-driving technology for routes connecting major centers. The project aims for fully driverless operations within three years.
- BYD Co. Ltd.
- BYD Co. Ltd. is mentioned as an electric vehicle giant that partnered with Mogo.ai. Together, they secured Singapore's first permit for a pilot project involving Level 4 autonomous buses. BYD will provide the buses, while Mogo.ai supplies the self-driving technology for routes connecting major commercial and leisure centers, starting in late 2026.
- WeRide Inc.
- WeRide Inc., a Chinese autonomous driving company, is expanding significantly in overseas markets, particularly the Middle East. Approximately one-third of its 1,300-vehicle fleet is deployed internationally. WeRide is collaborating with Uber to grow its robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi.
- Baidu Inc.
- Baidu Inc.'s robotaxi unit, Apollo Go, has received a license for fully driverless commercial operations in Abu Dhabi. This move highlights Baidu's rapid 해외 expansion, particularly in the Middle East, as Chinese autonomous driving firms seek new growth avenues and commercialization opportunities abroad.
- Didi’s autonomous driving arm
- Didi’s autonomous driving arm recently announced a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. This collaboration aims to develop a smart mobility ecosystem within the Abu Dhabi region. This move signifies Didi's expansion into overseas markets, specifically targeting the Middle East.
- As of 2025：
- Projects in Japan and South Korea remain in the research phase.
- September 2025：
- Neolix obtained the Middle East’s first license to operate its unmanned logistics vehicles on the UAE’s public roads.
- October 2025：
- Neolix raised over $600 million in a Series D round led by Stone Venture, and signed an agreement with K2 Group to deploy 5,000 autonomous vehicles in the UAE by the end of 2026.
- October 2025：
- Mogo.ai partnered with BYD to secure Singapore’s first permit for a Level 4 autonomous bus pilot project.
- November 10, 2025：
- Baidu Inc.’s Apollo Go received a license for fully driverless commercial operations in Abu Dhabi.
- November 12, 2025：
- Didi’s autonomous driving arm announced a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office to develop a smart mobility ecosystem.
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