- First-ever autonomous rides on Uber in Saudi Arabia debut in Riyadh.
- Pilot routes connect Roshn Front and Princess Noura University.
- Supported by the Transport General Authority (TGA) under Vision 2030.
- Initial phase includes safety operators, moving toward full driverless deployment.
Uber Technologies, Inc. and WeRide have officially launched autonomous Robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh, marking a first for Uber’s platform in Saudi Arabia and a milestone for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy focused on smart, sustainable mobility.
The new service enables Uber users traveling between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University to select a WeRide Robotaxi GXR, offering a glimpse into the future of driverless mobility in the region.
Partnership and Regulatory Endorsement
The pilot is being conducted in collaboration with the Transport General Authority (TGA) and follows the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Initial Operational Phase for Autonomous Vehicles, inaugurated by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser in July 2025.
Prior to this launch, WeRide became the first AV technology company to complete the TGA’s Regulatory Sandbox for AV Piloting and receive an official Robotaxi autonomous driving permit in Saudi Arabia.
Global Expansion and Technology Leadership
For WeRide, the initiative builds on its expanding global footprint following similar launches in Abu Dhabi in late 2024. The company operates autonomous vehicles in over 30 cities across 11 countries, holding autonomous driving permits in seven markets, including China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the U.S.
WeRide’s vehicles are powered by the WeRide One platform, a scalable solution enabling L2–L4 autonomy for applications across mobility, logistics, and sanitation.
Executive Perspectives
Sarfraz Maredia, Uber’s Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery, said:
“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 expand access to AVs while building safer and more sustainable transportation for all.”
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, added:
“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.”
In the initial stage, each Robotaxi will include a vehicle operator to ensure passenger safety and system reliability, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations as regulatory confidence and data maturity increase.
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