Uber and autonomous driving technology company WeRide have launched robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The rides are now available via the Uber platform.
A vehicle operator will be present in the robotaxis during the initial launch “to ensure a safer and more reliable experience for riders and pedestrians.” The autonomous vehicles (AVs) will then transition to be fully driverless.
The first public rides are operating on specific routes between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University.
“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,” said Jennifer Li, CFO and head of international at WeRide.
“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.”
In July, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi minister of transport and logistic services and chairman of the board of the Transport General Authority, launched the initial operational phase of AVs. Prior to this, WeRide was granted the first robotaxi autonomous driving permit from Saudi Arabia. WeRide also has autonomous driving permits in China, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, France, Belgium and the U.S.
Uber and WeRide first announced a strategic partnership in September 2024 with plans to launch WeRide's AVs on the Uber platform in the UAE. In May, the companies said they were expanding their partnership, adding 15 more cities over the next five years outside of the U.S. and China.