WeRide Expands into Saudi Arabia with Launch of Robotaxi and More Autonomous Driving Products
Rhea-AI Summary
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia, launching testing and deployment of Robotaxis and autonomous driving products in Riyadh and AlUla. The company plans to begin Robotaxi trial operations on Uber in the coming months, with full commercial services expected in late 2025.
WeRide's deployment includes Robobus operations at key locations like King Fahad Medical City and Aramco residential communities, and the Robosweeper S1 at King Fahad Medical City - the first monetized autonomous sanitation project in the Middle East. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and supports its growing tourism sector, projected to reach $110.1 billion by 2033.
The company is also expanding its presence across the Middle East, with recent launches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while planning to extend Robotaxi services to 15 additional cities globally through its partnership with Uber.
Positive
- Strategic entry into Saudi Arabia, the Middle East's largest economy with $1.09 trillion GDP
- First monetized autonomous sanitation project in Saudi Arabia with Robosweeper S1
- Partnership with Uber for global expansion to 15 additional cities
- Multiple revenue streams through Robotaxis, Robobuses, and Robosweeper deployments
- Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, positioning for long-term growth in the region
Negative
- Commercial operations not yet started, with full services delayed until late 2025
- Operating in a new market may present regulatory and operational challenges
- High initial investment required for infrastructure and operations setup
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, WRD gained 18.22%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in its global growth strategy. As part of its market entry, the company has launched testing or deployment of its Robotaxis and other core autonomous driving products in cities like Riyadh and AlUla, setting the stage for commercial rollout and wider operations across Saudi Arabia.
(WeRide will be launching Robotaxi trial operations in Saudi Arabia on Uber in the coming months)
WeRide has commenced ground preparation work ahead of its upcoming Robotaxi trial operations, with support from the Transport General Authority. The service is set to launch on Uber in the coming months, with full commercial services expected in late 2025. This deployment supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions to build smart, sustainable cities by enhancing road safety, improving traffic management, and introducing innovative, technology-driven mobility solutions.
WeRide has also been testing and deploying its Robobus in several key areas across Saudi Arabia, including King Fahad Medical City, Aramco residential communities, AlUla, and the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. This Level-4 autonomous vehicle is designed to address last-mile transportation gaps and complements transit networks like Riyadh Metro, enhancing the overall travel experience. Well suited to the region’s hot climate, it serves a wide range of use cases — from parks to large-scale hotels and tourist attractions.
Saudi Arabia — the Middle East's largest economy with a GDP of US
In Riyadh, WeRide’s Robosweeper S1 has been deployed at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, marking the first monetized autonomous sanitation project in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. As the largest medical complex in the Middle East, it spans 500,000 square meters and includes four hospitals and 107 primary care centers, constantly experiencing heavy daily foot and vehicle traffic across medical, residential, commercial, and logistics zones. Its complicated layout requires advanced sanitation solutions, where the Level-4 Robosweeper plays a perfect role.
WeRide's expansion into Saudi Arabia builds on its growing international presence across the Middle East. Earlier this month, WeRide launched fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi — the first deployment of its kind in the region. It will also be extending its Robotaxi service coverage to two high-demand islands in Abu Dhabi: Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands.
Also in May, WeRide and Uber announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, bringing Robotaxis to 15 additional cities globally over the next five years, including in Europe, while cities in the Middle East are being explored. This follows a successful Robotaxi launch in Abu Dhabi, which saw the largest public commercial Robotaxi fleet deployed outside the US and China in December 2024. This April, the partnership was expanded to Dubai, where WeRide's Robotaxis will soon be available on Uber's platform.
About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 10 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in five markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.
Media Contact:
pr@weride.ai
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbc900a0-17c7-4284-a171-6355e870c30b
FAQ
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