Uber and Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide have officially launched robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh, making Saudi Arabia the latest country to introduce self-driving vehicles to the Uber platform.
This marks the first time autonomous vehicles are publicly available on Uber in the Kingdom.
The service allows passengers travelling between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University to book a WeRide robotaxi GXR directly through the Uber app.
The initiative has been approved by the Transport General Authority (TGA) and follows the initial operational phase of autonomous vehicles inaugurated in July by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the TGA.
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Each robotaxi will initially include a safety operator before moving toward fully autonomous operations. “We’re excited to bring autonomous vehicles to riders in Saudi Arabia,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber.
“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, Chief Financial Officer and Head of International at WeRide, said the collaboration represents a major step forward for both the company and the Kingdom’s smart mobility goals.
“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,” she said.
“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,” Li added.
WeRide’s robotaxi was the first to receive Saudi Arabia’s autonomous driving permit and successfully complete the Transport General Authority’s regulatory sandbox for autonomous vehicle testing.
The company previously launched its robotaxi service on the Uber platform in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2024.
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