From self-driving cars to autonomous delivery robots, Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing toward the future of AI-driven mobility. The year 2025 is proving to be a pivotal period for the Kingdom, as it strengthens partnerships and builds infrastructure to create a cutting-edge logistics and transport ecosystem.
This focus on next-generation transport is at the heart of the Vision 2030 transformation agenda, reshaping how people and goods move across Riyadh and beyond. The Transport General Authority’s land transport strategy has set an ambitious target — ensuring that 25 percent of goods vehicles become autonomous by 2030.
WeRide’s Robotaxi Pilot Launched in Riyadh
A major step forward came in July 2025, when Transport and Logistic Services Minister Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the pilot project of WeRide’s Robotaxi in Riyadh. The initiative marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward building a smart, safe, and AI-powered transportation network.
Ryan Zhan, regional general manager for the Middle East and Africa at WeRide, emphasized the importance of this expansion.
“The expansion into Saudi Arabia is a major step in WeRide’s global expansion plan with a vision for safer, smarter transportation at scale,” Zhan said.
WeRide has already secured the Kingdom’s first autonomous driving permit, allowing it to run Robotaxi services in partnership with Uber and local technology partner AiDriver. The current pilot route connects King Khalid International Airport with central Riyadh, offering passengers a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.
Rising Demand for Smarter Mobility
With 104 million annual public transport users and 349 million intercity bus passengers, the Kingdom already has a massive mobility base. Between 2023 and 2024, ride-hailing trips rose by 26 percent, while delivery app orders increased by 27 percent, surpassing 290 million orders.
The growth underscores the increasing demand for innovative and automated transport solutions. WeRide’s Robotaxis and Robobuses are now positioned as key players in fulfilling this demand, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Supporting Vision 2030 Goals
WeRide’s initiatives align closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable, AI-powered mobility as part of its diversification strategy.
“Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s largest economy and has been accelerating efforts to diversify into high-growth sectors,” said Zhan. “With its tourism industry alone projected to reach $110.1 billion by 2033 at an annual growth rate of 8.4 percent, our Robotaxis and Robobuses will play an important role in building smart, sustainable transport infrastructure for both residents and visitors.”
The company has also contributed to job creation in areas like fleet management, vehicle maintenance, and customer service, further embedding itself in the Kingdom’s evolving transportation ecosystem.
Autonomous Delivery Robots Hit Riyadh
Beyond ride-hailing, food delivery services are also experiencing an autonomous revolution. In partnership with ROSHN Group, delivery giant Jahez has deployed the first fully autonomous Level 4 delivery robots in Riyadh’s ROSHN Front Business Area.
Currently, five robots are in operation, each equipped with 20+ sensors, six cameras, GPS navigation, and climate-specific cooling systems, enabling them to function seamlessly during working hours.
Jahez Chief Technology Officer Mohammed Al-Barrak explained:
“Part of our strategy is to always optimize automation, especially in logistics. That’s why we introduced autonomous delivery — a stepping stone toward even more advanced technologies, including delivery within gated communities.”
Regulation and Infrastructure for Smart Roads
To prepare for widespread adoption, the Roads General Authority has issued a Self-Driving Vehicles Code, which requires the installation of smart road communication devices. These systems will provide autonomous vehicles with real-time traffic and road data, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s Position in the Global AI Race
Globally, the AI market is projected to skyrocket from $189 billion in 2023 to an estimated $4.8 trillion by 2033, according to the UN Trade and Development report. Saudi Arabia’s early adoption of autonomous driving regulation, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure development positions it as a regional leader in the AI-driven mobility revolution.
With strong investment, clear policies, and a rapidly growing transport sector, the Kingdom is on track to become one of the global pioneers in autonomous vehicles — reinforcing its Vision 2030 promise of a smarter, more sustainable future.
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