Riyadh Gets First Robotaxis by Uber and China's WeRide

Uber Technologies and Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide have launched robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This marks the first time autonomous vehicles (AVs) are accessible via Uber in Saudi Arabia, representing a significant step toward the government’s Vision 2030 plan to promote green, high-tech transportation.

For now, the autonomous vehicles operate on specific routes connecting Roshn Front and Princess Noura University, two busy areas in Riyadh.

Each robotaxi currently includes a human operator as a safety monitor ready to intervene if needed, while the system is tested and refined. This phase is designed to build public confidence and ensure safety standards before transitioning toward fully driverless operation.

WeRide, headquartered in Guangzhou, became the first company to secure Saudi Arabia’s autonomous driving permit, following regulatory sandbox testing led by the Transport General Authority (TGA).

In July 2025, Uber announced a partnership with Baidu, integrating Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicle platform into the Uber app. Initial deployments are scheduled for late 2025 in select Asia and Middle East markets.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash