WeRide Robotaxi Secures Autonomous Driving Permit in Saudi Arabia, Products Now Licensed in Six Countries

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) has secured Saudi Arabia's first Robotaxi autonomous driving permit, becoming the only company globally with autonomous driving permits across six countries: Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, Singapore, France, and the US.

The company has launched a pilot program in Riyadh in partnership with Uber and Ai Driver, covering King Khalid International Airport and key city locations. A full-scale commercial Robotaxi service is planned for launch by end-2025 through the Uber partnership.

WeRide has also expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia with Robobus operations at various locations and launched the first monetized autonomous sanitation project in the Middle East with its Robosweeper S1. The company is conducting fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi and plans to expand to Dubai.

Positive

• First company to secure Robotaxi autonomous driving permits in six countries globally
• Partnership with Uber for commercial Robotaxi service launch by end-2025
• Successfully completed TGA's Regulatory Sandbox for AV Piloting in Saudi Arabia
• Diversified autonomous vehicle portfolio with Robobus and Robosweeper operations
• First fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Middle East (Abu Dhabi)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Autonomous Mobility Industry Specialist

WeRide secures Saudi Arabia's first Robotaxi permit, expanding its global footprint to six countries with commercialization imminent.

WeRide's achievement in securing Saudi Arabia's first Robotaxi autonomous driving permit represents a significant regulatory milestone that positions the company uniquely in the global autonomous vehicle landscape. The company now holds the distinction of being the only technology provider with autonomous driving permits across six countries - Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, Singapore, France, and the US - creating a formidable competitive moat in international markets.

The Saudi permit is particularly valuable as it grants WeRide nationwide operational authorization, not just limited test zones. This comprehensive permission allows immediate pilot operations in partnership with Uber and local partner Ai Driver at strategic locations including King Khalid International Airport and major highways - high-value routes with consistent passenger demand. The planned full commercial launch by end-2025 represents an accelerated timeline compared to typical regulatory approval processes in the autonomous mobility sector.

WeRide's multi-product approach in Saudi Arabia demonstrates strategic market penetration beyond just Robotaxis. The company has already deployed Robobus services at King Fahad Medical City and Aramco residential communities, while its Robosweeper S1 represents the first monetized autonomous sanitation project in the Middle East. This diversified product strategy creates multiple revenue streams and use cases across different customer segments.

The expansion throughout the Middle East, including fully driverless testing in Abu Dhabi (a first in the region) and planned operations in Dubai, positions WeRide to capture market leadership in a region actively investing in autonomous transportation infrastructure. The rigorous Saudi regulatory process completion indicates WeRide's technology meets international safety standards, a critical factor for commercial adoption and public acceptance.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has announced today that its Robotaxi was granted Saudi Arabia's first Robotaxi autonomous driving permit, making it the world's only technology company with products holding autonomous driving permits in six countries: Saudi Arabia, China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US.

WeRide's Robotaxi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

With this permit, WeRide is authorized to operate an autonomous vehicle (AV) business and deploy Robotaxis nationwide in Saudi Arabia, starting with its pilot operations in Riyadh with Uber and local partner Ai Driver.

Launched earlier this month, the pilot covers King Khalid International Airport and several key locations throughout Riyadh, including major highways and selected city center destinations. A full-scale commercial Robotaxi service is expected to launch by end-2025 through a partnership between WeRide and Uber.

WeRide's Robotaxi was granted the permit at an official ceremony last week, attended by His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority (TGA); Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide; and other senior Saudi government officials.

WeRide is the first AV technology company whose Robotaxi has completed the TGA's Regulatory Sandbox for AV Piloting in Saudi Arabia. The approval process, conducted in coordination with multiple government agencies, includes rigorous testing, assessments, and technology validation to secure the Robotaxi autonomous driving permit, to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance.

“This permit marks a major step in our global expansion, enabling us to scale Robotaxi services and unlock new commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia. It drives large-scale deployment, unlocks new revenue streams, and reinforces our commitment to making autonomous mobility a reality worldwide. We thank the TGA for supporting our vision for safer, smarter transportation at scale,” said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide.

This announcement follows WeRide’s entry into Saudi Arabia in May 2025. In addition to its Robotaxi plans, WeRide has been testing and operating its Robobus in key locations including King Fahad Medical City, Aramco residential communities, AlUla, and the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. Its Robosweeper S1 is also in operation at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, marking the first monetized autonomous sanitation project in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.

Beyond Saudi Arabia, WeRide has been rapidly expanding across the region in the last few months. Its Robotaxis are currently undergoing fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi — the first deployment of its kind in Middle East — and will also soon extend its Robotaxi service to Dubai.

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 six markets: China, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, 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

Safe Harbor Statement
This Report (including its exhibit) contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide’s and Uber’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this Report is as of the date of this Report. Neither WeRide nor Uber undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68d8e7b7-f0e9-4056-a03e-d76112c629d6

FAQ

What countries has WeRide (WRD) received autonomous driving permits in?

WeRide has secured autonomous driving permits in six countries: Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, Singapore, France, and the United States.

When will WeRide launch commercial Robotaxi services in Saudi Arabia?

WeRide plans to launch full-scale commercial Robotaxi services in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2025 through its partnership with Uber.

What locations does WeRide's pilot program cover in Riyadh?

The pilot program covers King Khalid International Airport and several key locations throughout Riyadh, including major highways and selected city center destinations.

What other autonomous vehicle products does WeRide operate in Saudi Arabia?

WeRide operates Robobus at locations including King Fahad Medical City and Aramco residential communities, and Robosweeper S1 at King Fahad Medical City and Riyadh Second Health Cluster.

Where is WeRide conducting fully driverless Robotaxi testing in the Middle East?

WeRide is conducting fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi, marking the first deployment of its kind in the Middle East, with plans to expand to Dubai.