Self-driving cars from Uber and WeRide commence trials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has recently initiated the first phase of autonomous vehicle operations as part of a 12-month trial period, starting in July 2025[1][2]. The project involves self-driving vehicles navigating real-world conditions across seven key locations within the city, including King Khalid International Airport terminals, urban roads, and major highways[1][2].
The pilot project is a joint effort between the Transport General Authority (TGA) and private technology partners such as WeRide, AiDriver, and Uber[1][2][4]. Notably, Riyadh has become the third city globally where WeRide and Uber are jointly operating Robotaxi services, with several dozen autonomous vehicles deployed on public roads, covering key urban and airport routes[4].
Safety remains a top priority for the autonomous vehicle pilot. Each vehicle is equipped with onboard safety officers, and the operations are subject to strict regulatory oversight to ensure continuous performance monitoring[1][3]. Several government bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and IT, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), and the Geospatial Authority, are backing the project[1][2].
Looking ahead, the plan is to transition from the pilot phase to full commercial service by the end of 2025, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be a regional leader in autonomous mobility[4]. The broader national rollout aims for Saudi Arabia to have 15 percent of its public transport vehicles autonomous by 2030[2]. To support this electric autonomous fleet, 13 dedicated electric charging stations have been established within Riyadh, aligning with the Kingdom's sustainability goals[3].
This pilot project marks a significant step towards Saudi Arabia's vision of smart and sustainable urban mobility on a national scale. The initiative underscores the country's commitment to advanced technologies, sustainable mobility, and public-private innovation, as stated by Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser[5]. The autonomous vehicle pilot in Riyadh is expected to pave the way for future advancements in the field, contributing to a more efficient, environmentally-friendly, and innovative transportation system in Saudi Arabia.
References:
[1] WeRide. (2025). WeRide Launches Autonomous Vehicle Pilot in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. [2] Saudi Press Agency. (2025). Saudi Arabia Launches Autonomous Vehicle Pilot in Riyadh. [3] Arab News. (2025). Saudi Arabia unveils electric charging stations for autonomous vehicles in Riyadh. [4] TechCrunch. (2025). WeRide deploys autonomous vehicles in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. [5] Saudi Gazette. (2025). Saudi Arabia launches autonomous vehicle pilot project in Riyadh.
- The collaboration between the Transport General Authority and technology partners such as WeRide, AiDriver, and Uber in Riyadh's autonomous vehicle pilot indicates the convergence of the transportation and technology industries in finance to bring advancements in the field.
- The broader national rollout aims for Saudi Arabia to have 15 percent of its public transport vehicles autonomous by 2030, aligning the transportation sector with advancements in technology and setting its finance industry on a path towards a more sustainable future.
