Uber and WeRide launch autonomous rides in Saudi Arabia

WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) and Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) have begun offering autonomous robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh, marking the first time autonomous vehicles are publicly available on the Uber platform in Saudi Arabia.

The service operates on dedicated routes between Roshn Front and Princess Noura University. The program has received endorsement from Saudi Arabia's Transport General Authority.

Uber riders traveling between the two locations can now select a WeRide Robotaxi GXR vehicle through the platform. Each robotaxi currently includes a vehicle operator to ensure safety for riders and pedestrians, with plans to transition to fully driverless operations in the future.

"We're excited to bring autonomous vehicles to riders in Saudi Arabia," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber. "This milestone, in partnership with the Transport General Authority and WeRide, marks an important next step in our progress across the Middle East."

Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, stated: "We're proud to partner with Uber to introduce autonomous mobility in Riyadh, marking another global milestone for WeRide and for the Kingdom's journey toward smart and sustainable transport."

The launch follows the Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles inaugurated by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services in July. WeRide previously received Saudi Arabia's first robotaxi autonomous driving permit and completed the Transport General Authority's Regulatory Sandbox for AV Piloting.

WeRide also launched autonomous vehicle services on the Uber platform in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2024. The company operates autonomous vehicles in over 30 cities across 11 countries and holds autonomous driving permits in seven markets including China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the United States.

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