Self-driving vehicles in Saudi Arabia: the first phase has been launched
Passenger princesses, report for duty
Saudi Arabia has just launched the very first phase of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh, marking a massive move in a smart, AI-driven transport system. This is what you need to know about self-driving vehicles in Saudi Arabia.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the system just yesterday.
🇸🇦🚖 WeRide has launched the first and only Robotaxi pilot in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with @Saudi_TGA, @Uber, and @AiDriver_ksa! The pilot is live in Riyadh, covering King Khalid International Airport and several key core areas in Riyadh, including major highways and… pic.twitter.com/SfdwnXSaE5
— WeRide.ai (@WeRide_ai) July 23, 2025
According to Saudi Gazette, the project will operate in real-life settings across seven key areas in Riyadh, including Terminals 2 and 5 at King Khalid International Airport, Roshn Business Front, Princess Nourah University, the North Train Station, and the Transport General Authority’s headquarters. A total of 13 pickup and drop-off points have been designated.
Partnering with the Ministry of Interior, SDAIA, the Geospatial Authority, and private firms like AiDriver, WeRide, and Uber, the project will be monitored closely by safety officers assigned specifically to the project throughout the 12-month pilot phase.
The vehicles will operate normally on major highways and city roads under the direct regulatory and direct watch of the Authority. Al-Jasser said the initiative demonstrates the kingdom’s commitment to sustainable mobility and economic growth, calling it “a model for smart and secure transport partnerships.”
The General Authority has also reiterated that the pilot aims to prepare the city/country for a broader countrywide rollout, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of autonomous mobility in the region.
That’s not all, though, Uber also plans to launch self-driving vehicles in the country by the end of this year. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced on Tuesday (May 13) that the company plans to launch self-driving vehicles in Saudi Arabia this year.
Visit: saudimobilityconsulting.com
Images: Getty
