China’s WeRide Launches Driverless Taxi Operations in Saudi Arabia
Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide has officially announced its plans to launch self-driving taxis in Saudi Arabia by year-end. The company is currently testing its flagship product, the Robotaxi, in Riyadh and the luxurious holiday resort of AlUla. Additionally, WeRide is evaluating other core autonomous driving products, as stated in a recent press release.
We’re officially in Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦 @WeRide is rolling out our #Robotaxi, #Robobus and #Robosweeper across #Riyadh, #AlUla and more — driving forward the Kingdom’s #Vision2030 goals for smart, sustainable mobility.
Here’s what to expect:
🚖 Robotaxi trial operations in Riyadh… pic.twitter.com/idZgXuKLlx— WeRide.ai (@WeRide_ai) May 27, 2025
Collaboration with Local Partners
Founded in California’s Silicon Valley, WeRide operates on the Nasdaq but maintains its headquarters in Guangzhou, China. In Saudi Arabia, the company collaborates with Uber and the Transport General Authority to facilitate its operations. Furthermore, Saudi company AI Driver will serve as WeRide’s representative agent in the kingdom.
While Uber prepares to introduce driverless cars in Riyadh within the next few months, WeRide is also conducting road tests for its Robobus. Testing locations include King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Aramco residential communities, AlUla, and the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh. Moreover, WeRide’s Robosweeper, an autonomous sanitation vehicle, is undergoing trials in King Fahad Medical City.
Understanding Autonomous Vehicle Levels
There are six classifications of autonomous vehicles (AVs), ranging from level zero, which indicates no automation, to level five, representing full driving automation. Notably, the Robosweeper is classified as the first level-four sanitation vehicle, showcasing significant advancements in autonomous technology.
Earlier this month, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced that driverless cars would debut in Saudi Arabia this year. Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Conference in Riyadh on 13 May, Khosrowshahi emphasized that Saudi Arabia ranks among Uber’s top growing markets. He highlighted that the company currently serves 4 million drivers across the kingdom, indicating strong demand for innovative transportation solutions.
