WeRide and Uber have begun offering autonomous Robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh. This is the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been publicly available on the Uber platform in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative is a significant milestone in Uber’s partnership with the Transport General Authority (TGA) and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambition to lead innovation in smart, sustainable mobility.

Uber passengers travelling between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University can select a WeRide Robotaxi GXR.

At present, each Robotaxi includes a vehicle operator for safety purposes. The service will transition to fully driverless operations in the future.

The new service follows TGA’s inauguration in July of the Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles. WeRide’s Robotaxi was granted Saudi Arabia’s first Robotaxi autonomous driving permit. It also follows the public launch of WeRide on the Uber platform in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2024.

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.”