Translating the Revolution in Smart Mobility: WeRide Secures Unique Approval to Operate Robotaxis in Saudi Arabia and Opens New Horizons for Future Transportation

في خطوة تعد تحولًا نوعيًا في مستقبل التنقل الذكي في الشرق الأوسط، أعلنت شركة WeRide الصينية المتخصصة في تكنولوجيا السيارات ذاتية القيادة عن نيلها أول تصريح رسمي لتشغيل “روبوتاكسي” – سيارات أجرة ذاتية القيادة – في المملكة العربية السعودية. هذا الإنجاز لا يعكس فقط ثقة المملكة في التكنولوجيا الحديثة، بل يؤكد ريادة WeRide، التي أصبحت أول شركة تقنية في العالم تحصل على تراخيص تشغيل الروبوتاكسي في 6 دول مختلفة تشمل السعودية، الصين، الإمارات، سنغافورة، فرنسا، والولايات المتحدة.

باكورة التشغيل وخطوات البداية في العاصمة الرياض

شهدت الرياض، عاصمة المملكة، انطلاق مشروع تجريبي واسع النطاق لخدمات الروبوتاكسي بالتعاون مع عملاق النقل التشاركي “أوبر” وشريكها المحلي Ai Driver. وتغطي هذه المرحلة الأولى مناطق استراتيجية بدءًا من مطار الملك خالد الدولي مرورًا بشبكة من الطرق السريعة والوجهات الحيوية في وسط المدينة، مما يتيح للركاب تجربة خدمة تنقل مستقبلية آمنة وذكية.

وتعكس هذه الخطوة حجم الطموحات المستقبلية لدى WeRide وأوبر في السوق السعودي، حيث تخططان لإطلاق خدمة روبوتاكسي تجارية متكاملة بحلول نهاية عام 2025، والتي من المتوقع أن تحدث نقلة كبيرة في كيفية التنقل داخل المدن السعودية عبر أنظمة القيادة الذاتية المتقدمة.

كيف تميزت WeRide عن منافسيها؟

تاريخ WeRide يمتد إلى تأسيس الشركة في عام 2017، حيث كانت من أوائل الشركات الصينية الرائدة في مجال القيادة الذاتية المتطورة. واكتسابها ترخيصًا في السعودية يضعها كحامل للقب الشركة الوحيدة عالميًا التي تمتلك تراخيص تشغيل سيارات ذاتية القيادة في ستة بلدان. إن هذا يعكس الثقة في تقنيات WeRide المتقدمة وقدرتها على التعامل مع متطلبات تنظيمية معقدة ومتنوعة في أسواق مختلفة.

In a move considered a qualitative transformation in the future of smart mobility in the Middle East, the Chinese company WeRide, specialized in autonomous vehicle technology, announced that it has obtained the first official permit to operate “robotaxi” — self-driving taxis — in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This achievement not only reflects the Kingdom’s trust in modern technology but also confirms WeRide’s leadership status, having become the only technology company worldwide licensed to operate robotaxis in six countries including Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, Singapore, France, and the United States.

Launch and Initial Steps in Riyadh, the Capital

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, witnessed the launch of a large-scale pilot project for robotaxi services in collaboration with the ride-hailing giant Uber and its local partner Ai Driver. The first phase covers strategic areas, starting from King Khalid International Airport and extending through a network of highways and vital downtown locations, enabling passengers to experience a safe and intelligent future mobility service.

This step reflects the ambitious plans of WeRide and Uber in the Saudi market, as they aim to launch a comprehensive commercial robotaxi service by the end of 2025, expected to significantly transform urban transportation within Saudi cities through advanced autonomous driving systems.

What Differentiates WeRide from Its Competitors?

WeRide was founded in 2017 and is among the pioneers of advanced autonomous driving technology in China. Obtaining the Saudi license places it as the only company globally with robotaxi operation permits in six countries, reflecting confidence in WeRide’s advanced technology and its ability to navigate complex and diverse regulatory requirements in various markets.

Furthermore, WeRide already operates several advanced projects in the Kingdom, including small autonomous shuttles ("RoboBus") active at multiple sites, in addition to deploying the Robosweeper S1 — an intelligent specialized cleaning vehicle — at leading medical facilities such as King Fahd Medical City and Riyadh Health Complex. This represents the first successful commercial autonomous cleaning technology project in Saudi Arabia and the region.

Partnership with Uber: A Strategic Alliance Enabling Market Confidence

WeRide’s partnership with Uber extends beyond technology provision; it encompasses a sustainable business model connecting alternative technologies with the world’s largest mobility platform. Through Uber’s platform, these autonomous vehicles will be able to directly serve customers, facilitating rapid adoption and widespread implementation of this technology in Saudi Arabia.

In September 2024, the two companies announced their collaboration to accelerate testing and operation of autonomous vehicles in different markets, enhancing user experience while maintaining high safety and efficiency standards.

Why Is Saudi Arabia a Fertile Ground for Robotaxi Technology?

Saudi Arabia has developed smart infrastructure that aligns with its digital transformation across sectors, accompanied by strong governmental support for sustainable and advanced transport technologies. The project’s success is bolstered by several factors:

• Intense focus on improving citizen quality of life and easing mobility
  
  

• Rapid urban expansion requiring smart transportation solutions to avoid congestion
  
  

• Advanced communication infrastructure and smart roads
  
  

• Vision 2030’s emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation
  
  

All of these components create an ideal environment for testing and scaling autonomous driving technology.

How Will Robotaxis Change the Face of Transportation in Saudi Arabia?

Robotaxi services represent a paradigm shift from traditional taxis, offering numerous benefits beyond mere transportation:

• Reducing traffic accidents: Via sensor technologies and autonomous control that minimize human error.
  
  

• Lowering emissions: Especially when used with electric vehicles, enhancing environmental sustainability goals.
  
  

• Improving time efficiency: Robotaxis select optimal routes based on live data.
  
  

• Providing safe transport options for all: Including people with disabilities and areas with low traffic volumes.
  
  

• Reducing transportation costs: In the long term, autonomous operation decreases operational and maintenance expenses.
  
  

The Future in the Hands of WeRide and Uber in Saudi Arabia

With the pilot already underway, both firms focus on collecting operational data and analyzing user experience to improve the service before a full commercial launch. It is expected that the service scope will gradually expand to include other major cities and more diverse urban and suburban areas.

Experts anticipate that WeRide’s platform will be a cornerstone for smart transport in Saudi Arabia, setting a regional example for technical and regulatory progress and turning the Kingdom into a leading market for cutting-edge autonomous technologies.

WeRide’s Contributions to Other Autonomous Projects in Saudi Arabia

The company’s achievements are not limited to robotaxi operations but extend to other sectors such as intelligent cleaning using specialized robots operating in hospitals and public facilities, thereby enhancing service quality and reducing reliance on manual labor for repetitive and demanding tasks.

This expansion reflects an integrated vision of autonomous driving technologies as an essential part of advanced smart city ecosystems.

WeRide’s acquisition of the first Robotaxi license in Saudi Arabia marks a new chapter in the region’s journey towards smart mobility. By combining China’s leading technology with Uber’s operational expertise and local partnerships, the Saudi market stands ready to embrace a new transport model that enhances safety, comfort, and sustainability.

This milestone is not just a legal achievement but a real transition towards a future where cities rely on superior intelligent technology providing practical solutions to traffic and environmental challenges. Saudi Arabia possesses unique capabilities that make it an ideal platform for leading this transformation, unlocking significant economic and technological opportunities.