WeRide, a leading Chinese autonomous driving technology company, has officially announced its expansion into the Saudi Arabian market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The company has already initiated testing and deployment of various autonomous products, including Robotaxi, Robobus, and Robosweeper, in key cities such as Riyadh and El Ola.
This strategic move sets the stage for WeRide to operate on a commercial scale in Saudi Arabia, with plans to kickstart robotaxi pilot operations on the Uber platform in the coming months. By the year 2025, WeRide aims to launch full-fledged commercial robotaxi services in Saudi Arabia, showcasing its commitment to revolutionizing the transportation sector in the region.
In addition to robotaxi operations, WeRide is also actively testing and deploying autonomous Robobus in several areas across Saudi Arabia, including prominent locations like King Fahad Medical City, Aramco Employee Community, AlUla, and The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh. These initiatives are geared towards building a more intelligent and sustainable transportation infrastructure within the country.
Founded in 2017, WeRide stands out as one of the pioneering companies in China focusing on advanced smart driving solutions. The company made its debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange on October 25 last year, solidifying its position as a key player in the autonomous driving industry. In a strategic partnership with Uber established in September 2024, WeRide is actively advancing self-driving vehicles for integration into the Uber platform.
The collaboration between WeRide and Uber has already borne fruit, with the successful launch of robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi in December 2024. Each autonomous vehicle is equipped with a dedicated safety officer to ensure a seamless and secure ride-sharing experience for passengers. Subsequently, in April 2025, the partnership expanded to Dubai, signaling the continued growth and evolution of autonomous transportation solutions in the region.
Looking ahead, WeRide and Uber have announced plans to expand their partnership to include 15 new cities worldwide over the next five years, spanning regions in Europe and the Middle East. This ambitious expansion strategy underscores the commitment of both companies to drive innovation and progress in the autonomous mobility sector.
In a recent development, WeRide launched a groundbreaking unmanned robotaxi trial operation in Abu Dhabi on May 16, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of fully autonomous transportation solutions in the Middle East. The success of this initiative further cements WeRide’s position as a trailblazer in the development, testing, and operation of autonomous vehicles across 30 cities in 10 countries globally.
As WeRide continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving technology, its entry into the Saudi Arabian market signals a new chapter in the evolution of smart mobility solutions in the region. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and safety, WeRide is poised to redefine the future of transportation in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
