WeRide and Uber Launch Saudi Arabia's Inaugural Autonomous Taxis, Advancing Worldwide Self-Driving Transportation

WeRide, a prominent name in autonomous driving technology, is ramping up its international presence through a new partnership with

to introduce self-driving robotaxi operations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This initiative represents the first time driverless vehicles have been made available to the public on Uber’s platform within the Kingdom, marking a major milestone in WeRide’s ambition to become a major force in autonomous transportation, as reported by . Announced with the support of the Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA), the project supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to advance smart mobility solutions, according to a .

The service, which started with routes between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University, currently features a safety operator in each car before moving toward fully autonomous rides, as noted by MarketScreener. Jennifer Li, WeRide’s CFO and international lead, highlighted that the collaboration is designed to “improve daily transportation and contribute to building safer, greener, and more efficient urban environments” through cutting-edge autonomous tech, a sentiment echoed by MarketScreener. This launch comes after WeRide became the first company to obtain a Robotaxi autonomous driving license in Saudi Arabia and successfully completed the TGA’s regulatory pilot program for autonomous vehicles, as detailed in the Yahoo report.

This move follows WeRide’s recent partnership with Grab, which invested in the company to support its entry into Southeast Asia. Grab’s mapping platform, GrabMaps, will assist

in analyzing local road conditions to ensure safe operations in the area, according to . The alliance with Grab is WeRide’s third major collaboration in the ride-hailing sector, following previous work with Lyft in Atlanta and an upcoming launch with in the United States. The Southeast Asian expansion highlights the increasing integration of autonomous vehicles into established ride-hailing networks.

WeRide’s CEO has pointed out that while autonomous technology cannot eliminate all risks, it has the potential to greatly reduce accident rates. Company projections suggest that within ten years, autonomous vehicles could be ten times safer than human drivers, as stated by

. This positive outlook is based on WeRide’s ability to form strategic partnerships and navigate regulatory challenges, as demonstrated by its projects in Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, the company still faces obstacles, such as turning pilot programs into profitable, long-term ventures.

The launch in Saudi Arabia also underscores the Middle East’s strategic value in WeRide’s global strategy. Before entering Riyadh, WeRide expanded into Abu Dhabi in late 2024, showing a gradual approach to regional growth, as reported by Yahoo. Uber’s participation further raises the profile of the project, with the ride-hailing leader describing the partnership as a key step in its mission to promote “safer and more sustainable transportation” in the region, according to MarketScreener.

Industry experts observe that WeRide’s success in obtaining regulatory approvals and forging high-profile alliances is vital for its future prospects. Although the company has yet to achieve profitability, its advancements in Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia offer concrete proof of its ability to execute international growth strategies, as noted by Simply Wall St. Integrating autonomous vehicles into platforms like Uber and Grab provides a scalable path for broader adoption, but achieving profitability will require overcoming technical and operational challenges, as Reuters pointed out.

As self-driving technology progresses, WeRide’s efforts in Riyadh and Southeast Asia highlight the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles for city transportation. By prioritizing safety, regulatory adherence, and strategic partnerships, the company is positioning itself as a significant contributor to the worldwide shift toward driverless mobility.