Uber and WeRide Introduce Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Published on October 24, 2025

In a groundbreaking move for the transportation industry, Uber has partnered with WeRide, a leading autonomous driving technology company from China, to launch a robotaxi service in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This marks a pivotal moment in the region’s adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs), as the two companies strive to revolutionize the ride-hailing experience and pave the way for sustainable, self-driving transportation solutions.

A Collaborative Leap Towards Autonomous Mobility

The collaboration between Uber and WeRide is an ambitious step towards advancing autonomous mobility in Saudi Arabia. Under this partnership, Uber’s popular ride-hailing platform will integrate WeRide’s autonomous vehicle technology to provide robotaxi services for residents and visitors in Riyadh. The partnership is part of a broader vision to introduce fully autonomous ride-hailing services across the region, making it one of the first Middle Eastern cities to adopt this cutting-edge technology.

The move is not just about the convenience of a driverless ride, but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to create a more sustainable and technology-driven future for the kingdom. Through the collaboration with WeRide, Uber plans to explore new avenues for enhancing urban mobility while contributing to a greener, smarter infrastructure.

How the Robotaxi Service Works

The robotaxi service, available exclusively through the Uber app, allows passengers to request rides using the same platform they already use for traditional ride-hailing services. Once a request is made, the system matches riders with an available WeRide autonomous vehicle. These vehicles are equipped with advanced AI-powered technology, sensors, and safety features to navigate the streets of Riyadh safely and efficiently.

The service operates in specific areas of the city, particularly in high-traffic zones and key transportation hubs. Riyadh, known for its modern architecture and rapidly evolving infrastructure, serves as an ideal location for this futuristic transportation solution. With the use of autonomous vehicles, riders can expect a smooth and efficient journey with minimal human intervention.

Regulatory Approval and Safety Considerations

The launch of the robotaxi service in Riyadh was preceded by several months of rigorous testing and regulatory approval from Saudi authorities. To ensure the safety of both passengers and pedestrians, each vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and machine learning algorithms to help the autonomous vehicles detect obstacles, navigate through traffic, and make safe driving decisions in real-time.

In addition to the onboard technology, each WeRide autonomous vehicle operates under constant monitoring, with a safety driver present during the early stages of the service rollout to ensure the system’s functionality and handle any emergency situations.

Saudi regulators have worked closely with Uber and WeRide to guarantee that the autonomous vehicles meet the highest standards of road safety and regulatory compliance. With growing global concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles, this collaboration highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to pioneering smart transportation solutions while maintaining strict safety protocols.

Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Transportation Landscape

The introduction of robotaxis in Riyadh is poised to transform urban mobility in Saudi Arabia. As the nation invests heavily in infrastructure development and technology, the autonomous vehicle sector represents a critical component of its economic diversification efforts. The integration of autonomous vehicles into public transportation networks will not only help alleviate traffic congestion but also promote sustainability by reducing emissions from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

The launch of the robotaxi service also complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which emphasize innovation, sustainability, and the modernization of key sectors. By introducing autonomous vehicles into the transportation mix, Riyadh is positioning itself as a smart city and paving the way for other Middle Eastern countries to follow suit.

Additionally, the robotaxi service offers a more convenient and cost-effective transportation option for residents and tourists. With ride-sharing services gaining popularity worldwide, this new development provides an alternative to conventional taxis and private car ownership. As more people opt for shared, sustainable transport options, the pressure on the city’s infrastructure will lessen, making urban mobility more efficient.

Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans

Following the launch of the robotaxi service in Riyadh, both Uber and WeRide have expressed intentions to expand their collaboration in the Middle East. While the current focus is on Riyadh, future plans may involve extending the service to other major cities within Saudi Arabia and potentially other countries in the region. The ongoing developments in autonomous vehicle technology will further drive these efforts, with the ultimate goal being a fully integrated autonomous ride-hailing network across the Middle East.

A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

The adoption of autonomous vehicles represents a shift toward more sustainable, efficient, and safer transportation solutions. As the world faces growing environmental challenges, autonomous vehicles offer an opportunity to significantly reduce carbon emissions while improving traffic flow and minimizing the need for human drivers.

Uber’s partnership with WeRide in launching the robotaxi service in Riyadh is just the beginning of what could become a transformative shift in global mobility. With Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to technological innovation, this initiative is likely to set a precedent for other countries in the region and beyond to follow, embracing autonomous mobility as the future of transportation.

Conclusion

The launch of robotaxi services in Riyadh by Uber and WeRide marks a milestone in the journey toward the future of urban transportation. With a focus on safety, convenience, and sustainability, this collaboration introduces a glimpse into the next generation of travel in the Middle East. As autonomous vehicles continue to evolve and expand, Riyadh and other cities in Saudi Arabia are well-positioned to lead the way in smart city solutions, making the region a global pioneer in autonomous transportation technology.