Saudi Arabia has formally kicked off its inaugural pilot of fully autonomous taxis in Riyadh, marking a major stride toward realising AI‑driven urban mobility under its Vision 2030 reforms. The initiative began on July 23, 2025, with Level‑4 robotaxis deployed across seven strategic locations such as King Khalid International Airport (Terminals 2 and 5), Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Roshn Business Front, key highways, and the headquarters of the Transport General Authority
A total of 13 pick‑up and drop‑off points have been designated to support the trial, which will run for 12 months under strict regulatory oversight
Presenting the project, Engineer Saleh Al‑Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, described the pilot as a “qualitative leap” for the Kingdom’s ambitions in smart transportation, digital innovation, and sustainability
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The initiative is orchestrated by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Ministry of Interior, the Digital Economy, Space and Innovation System, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, in partnership with tech firms WeRide, AiDriver, and Uber
During this early stage, each autonomous taxi will carry a human safety officer to supervise operations and ensure passenger safety. The vehicles feature advanced navigation systems, real-time traffic sensors, and AI‑based decision‑making engines intended to operate on both highways and inner-city streets
According to officials, this trial will serve as the foundation for building legal frameworks, operational standards, and eventual nationwide rollout of automated transport services
The trial also coincides with WeRide’s broader expansion into Saudi Arabia, which includes deploying Robotaxi and Robobus services in Riyadh and AlUla. Their Robobus is already serving locations like King Fahad Medical City, Aramco communities, and luxury hospitality zones, complementing networks like the driverless Riyadh Metro and smart city infrastructure
Saudi Arabia aims to have 15% of its public transport autonomous by 2030, positioning itself as a regional leader in driverless mobility and sustainable technology
With Riyadh Metro already the world’s longest driverless train system at 176 km, the arrival of live autonomous vehicle trials cements Saudi Arabia’s vision of a smart, sustainable, and technologically advanced urban future.
