The launch marks the first time autonomous vehicles are publicly available on the Uber platform in Saudi Arabia
Uber and WeRide have begun offering autonomous robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh, marking the first time autonomous vehicles are publicly available on the Uber platform in Saudi Arabia. Uber riders travelling between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University can select a WeRide robotaxi GXR for their journey.
The programme has been endorsed by the Transport General Authority and follows the initial operational phase of autonomous vehicles inaugurated by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, minister of transport and logistics services and chairman of the board of the Transport General Authority, in July. Each robotaxi will initially include a vehicle operator before transitioning to fully driverless operations.
“We’re excited to bring autonomous vehicles to riders in Saudi Arabia,” Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery at Uber, 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 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, 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. 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.”
WeRide’s robotaxi was granted Saudi Arabia’s first robotaxi autonomous driving permit and was the first to complete the Transport General Authority’s regulatory sandbox for autonomous vehicle piloting in the country. WeRide launched on the Uber platform in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2024.
SOURCE: Uber
