- What are the key highlights and future goals of the initiative?
- Why Was WeRide Chosen for the Project?
- What Makes GAC Vehicles the Ideal Choice for This Project?
- How is the government supporting the project through infrastructure?
- Who Are the Key Partners Behind This Groundbreaking Transformation?
In a groundbreaking move that reflects Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and embrace of smart mobility, the Public Transport Authority has announced the launch of the first trial phase for autonomous taxi operations in Riyadh. This innovative project is a collaboration with global autonomous driving technology leader WeRide, alongside Chinese automaker GAC and its official local partner, Aljomaih Automotive. It marks the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East.
What are the key highlights and future goals of the initiative?
The pilot phase of the project will run for a full year and includes the deployment of self driving taxis across seven major locations in Riyadh, including King Khalid International Airport and key downtown areas. The service relies on GAC vehicles equipped with advanced Level 4 autonomous driving systems, offering a safe and efficient robotaxi experience without any human intervention.
This initiative is directly aligned with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform public transportation and elevate quality of life by:
Reducing traffic accidents through advanced driving technologies
Promoting environmental sustainability by adopting electric vehicles
Accelerating the digital transformation of the public transport sector
Ensuring that 25% of public transportation operates autonomously by 2030
Why Was WeRide Chosen for the Project?
WeRide is considered one of the global pioneers in autonomous driving technology. Founded in 2017 in Guangzhou, China, the company operates fleets of intelligent vehicles deployed in real world environments across multiple countries. Its product lineup includes:
Autonomous taxis (Robotaxi)
Self driving minibuses (Robobus)
Autonomous delivery vehicles (Robovan)
Driverless street sweeping vehicles (Robosweeper)
WeRide is among the few companies worldwide actively deploying Level 4 autonomous driving technology on public roads. The launch of the project in Saudi Arabia marks the company’s first expansion into the Middle East. Soon, users in Riyadh will be able to book self driving rides through the Uber app, with full commercial operations expected to roll out before the end of 2025.
What Makes GAC Vehicles the Ideal Choice for This Project?
GAC models were selected for their high reliability and ability to perform under the region’s extreme weather conditions. Key advantages include:
Operation in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius
Excellent performance on rough urban and off road terrains
The vehicles are also equipped with the advanced NVIDIA DRIVE Thor platform, offering:
Computing power 30 times greater than previous systems
Up to 25 times more energy efficiency
Computer vision accuracy exceeding 98.7%, even in highly complex environments
How is the government supporting the project through infrastructure?
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services has announced the development of 13 dedicated electric charging stations for these autonomous vehicles as part of a smart infrastructure initiative aimed at enabling this transformation. The goal is to:
Ensure the continuous and efficient operation of the vehicles
Accelerate the shift toward sustainable transportation
Enhance safety levels, as the Minister stated that autonomous vehicles are ten times safer than human driven ones
Who Are the Key Partners Behind This Groundbreaking Transformation?
Aljomaih Automotive Company and GAC Motor are two of the main partners driving this cutting edge initiative forward. Aljomaih stands as one of the largest economic conglomerates in Saudi Arabia, with a diverse portfolio spanning automotive, energy, and finance sectors. The company represents several globally renowned brands, including General Motors, GAC, Shell, and Pepsi. With an extensive network of service centers across the Kingdom, including ACDelco facilities and Shell Fast Lube services, Aljomaih is well positioned to support high tech mobility projects.
GAC Motor, founded in 2008 in Guangzhou, China, is part of a major industrial group that collaborates with top automakers such as Honda, Toyota, and Jeep. The company quickly expanded its global footprint by focusing on quality and innovation. GAC has earned the JD Power award for eight consecutive years and has been ranked among the top 500 global brands by Fortune magazine, solidifying its role as a trusted player in the future of smart mobility.
