Chinese technology companies that have rapidly expanded across the Middle East are facing disruptions to their operations in light of the Iran conflict, reports the South China Morning Post. Baidu, WeRide and Meituan are among companies halting operations or instituting remote work, as some Chinese nationals seek to escape the region.
Baidu, which began operating its Apollo robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in January, and was carrying out testing in the country’s commercial hub Dubai, halted operations and testing on Sunday in coordination with local authorities’ requirements.
Meituan told the SCMP: “We have asked all employees to work remotely until further notice as a precautionary measure,” adding that services could be temporarily limited or suspended in specific areas if required to ensure safety. The Chinese food delivery giant has expanded aggressively in the Middle East over the past year under the brand Keeta, and now has a presence in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.
WeRide, a Guangzhou-based autonomous driving start-up, runs robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, employing nearly 100 people across the region. Its Dubai fleet had been suspended since the weekend “pending notice from local regulatory authorities”, the company said, while operations in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh continued. All employees in the region were working remotely and limiting unnecessary outings, Eric Dong, a WeRide employee based in the Middle East told the SCMP. The company has stocked essential supplies and moved vehicles indoors.