Uber and WeRide launch first autonomous Robotaxi rides in Riyadh
- Perry Richardson
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Uber and autonomous driving firm WeRide have begun offering Robotaxi rides in Riyadh, marking the first time autonomous vehicles are available to the public on the Uber platform in Saudi Arabia.
The service is being introduced as part of Uber’s partnership with the Transport General Authority (TGA) and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective to develop smart and sustainable transport solutions.
Riders travelling between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University will now have the option to select a WeRide Robotaxi GXR when booking through the Uber app. Each vehicle will initially include an onboard operator to ensure safety and reliability, with plans to move to fully driverless operation once regulatory approval allows.
The launch follows the Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles introduced by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser in July. WeRide’s Robotaxi previously became the first to secure an autonomous driving permit in Saudi Arabia after completing the TGA’s Regulatory Sandbox for AV Piloting.
This development comes after WeRide’s debut on the Uber platform in Abu Dhabi late last year and is seen as a key step in expanding autonomous mobility across the wider Middle East region.
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber, said: “We’re excited to bring autonomous vehicles to riders in Saudi Arabia. This milestone, in partnership with the Transport General Authority and WeRide, marks an important next step in our progress across the Middle East as we continue expanding access to AVs while building safer and more sustainable transportation for all.”
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, said: “We’re proud to partner with Uber to introduce autonomous mobility in Riyadh, marking another global milestone for WeRide and for the Kingdom’s journey toward smart and sustainable transport. Through our world-class autonomous driving technology, we aim to enhance everyday mobility and help shape the future of safer, greener, and more efficient cities across Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
