Saudi Arabia has officially begun pilot trials for self-driving vehicle technology, paving the way for the launch of Robotaxi services before the end of 2025. This initiative is part of a strategic collaboration between global autonomous driving leader WeRide, ride-hailing platform Uber, the General Department of Traffic, and several government authorities.
The trials feature Level-4 autonomous vehicles, including Robotaxis and Robobuses, and are currently taking place in major cities like Riyadh and AlUla. These tests are being conducted in key locations across the Kingdom, such as King Fahad Medical City, Aramco residential communities, and luxury destinations like the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, showcasing the flexibility and potential of this cutting-edge technology.
Robobuses are designed to address last-mile transport challenges, seamlessly linking passengers with major transit networks like the Riyadh Metro. Built to withstand the region’s intense heat, they are well-suited for public parks, luxury hotels, and tourist attractions. Among other smart mobility solutions is the deployment of the Robosweeper S1 at King Fahad Medical City — the Middle East’s first monetized autonomous sanitation service. This system operates in a complex, high-traffic zone comprising hospitals, residential units, and commercial areas, offering efficient and intelligent cleaning solutions.
This transformation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to create a smart, sustainable transport infrastructure that improves road safety, optimizes traffic management, and introduces innovative mobility technologies. Expansion to other cities is expected following the initial rollout.
WeRide also brings regional experience to the table. The company recently launched fully autonomous Robotaxi trials in Abu Dhabi, where ArabGT’s team had the opportunity to experience the vehicles firsthand — a testament to the technology’s readiness and practicality for real-world deployment.
The announcement has already made waves in the market, with WeRide’s shares soaring over 20% in just 24 hours following the news of its Saudi expansion, reflecting investor confidence in the Kingdom’s capability to adopt and scale futuristic transport solutions.
This initiative marks a turning point in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey, setting a new benchmark for intelligent mobility that benefits residents, tourists, and the wider region alike.
