RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 27, 2025 — WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a leading global autonomous driving technology company, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia, a key move in its global growth plan. The company has begun testing and deploying its Robotaxis and other key autonomous driving products in cities such as Riyadh and AlUla, paving the way for commercial launch and broader operations throughout Saudi Arabia.

(WeRide plans to launch Robotaxi trial operations in Saudi Arabia on Uber in the coming months)

WeRide has started preparatory work for its upcoming Robotaxi trial operations, with the support of the Transport General Authority. The service is scheduled to launch on Uber in the coming months, with full commercial services expected by late 2025. This deployment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to create smart, sustainable cities by enhancing road safety, improving traffic flow, and introducing innovative, technology-driven mobility solutions.

WeRide has also been testing and deploying its Robobus in several important locations across Saudi Arabia, including King Fahad Medical City, Aramco residential areas, AlUla, and the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. This Level-4 autonomous vehicle is designed to fill last-mile transportation gaps and enhance transit networks like Riyadh Metro, improving the overall travel experience. Well-suited to the region’s hot climate, it can be used in various settings, from parks to large hotels and tourist destinations.

Saudi Arabia, the largest economy in the Middle East with a GDP of US$1.09 trillion in 2024, is accelerating its efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify into high-growth sectors. With its tourism sector projected to reach US$110.1 billion by 2033, growing at an 8.4% CAGR from 2024, WeRide’s Robotaxis and Robobuses support the Kingdom’s effort to develop a smart, sustainable transport infrastructure for both residents and the increasing number of visitors.

In Riyadh, WeRide’s Robosweeper S1 has been deployed at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, representing the first autonomous sanitation project to generate revenue in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. As the largest medical complex in the Middle East, it covers 500,000 square meters and includes four hospitals and 107 primary care centers, experiencing significant daily pedestrian and vehicle traffic across medical, residential, commercial, and logistics areas. Its complex layout demands advanced sanitation solutions, making the Level-4 Robosweeper an ideal solution.

WeRide’s expansion into Saudi Arabia builds on its increasing international presence in 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 expanding its Robotaxi service area 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 more cities worldwide over the next five years, including in Europe, with potential expansion in the Middle East. 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. In April, the partnership expanded to Dubai, where WeRide’s Robotaxis will soon be available on Uber’s platform.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and pioneer in the autonomous driving industry, and 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. Powered 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

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