Autonomous vehicle deployment in Saudi Arabia takes a major step forward as inDrive, the global mobility platform, and AI Driver, a Saudi autonomous mobility company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding under Transport General Authority supervision. The partnership aims to launch autonomous ride-hailing services beginning in Riyadh and expanding to Jeddah, directly supporting Vision 2030 goals.
Strategic Partnership for Smart Mobility Innovation
The collaboration combines AI Driver’s local operations expertise with WeRide’s AI-driving technology on inDrive’s established platform. Manufacturing, shipment, and customs clearance will begin immediately after signing, targeting a pilot program launch in H1 2026. The Transport General Authority will jointly supervise the project to ensure safety standards and regulatory compliance.
AI Driver holds Saudi Arabia’s first commercial autonomous driving license and currently operates the Kingdom’s first Robotaxi project. As the official dealer of WeRide across Saudi Arabia, the company brings proven experience in autonomous vehicle deployment to the partnership.
Comprehensive Implementation Strategy
- Vehicle deployment across Riyadh with expansion to Jeddah
- Safety officer training programs for operational oversight
- Data integration systems between partner companies
- Local capacity building initiatives under TGA supervision
- Regulatory compliance frameworks for commercial operations
The initiative directly addresses Vision 2030 objectives to enable smart mobility, reduce emissions, and foster advanced transport infrastructure throughout the Kingdom. inDrive’s app, downloaded over 360 million times globally, provides the technological foundation for scaling autonomous services.
By combining Ai Driver’s local operations and service capabilities in autonomous mobility and WeRide’s leading autonomous driving capabilities with inDrive’s global platform and local expertise, we aim to bring safer, smarter, and more accessible mobility options to communities in Saudi Arabia.
Yury Misnik, Chief Technology Officer at inDrive
Timeline and Future Impact
The autonomous vehicle deployment represents a decisive move toward scalable autonomous transport in the Middle East region. Louis Chu, VP at AI Driver, emphasized the partnership’s role in accelerating next-generation mobility solutions and supporting Vision 2030’s technology and sustainability ambitions.
This collaboration positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of autonomous mobility innovation, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to shaping a safer, cleaner, and more connected transportation future. The project establishes a framework for expanding autonomous services across additional Saudi cities following the initial deployment phase.