Saudi Arabia launches self-driving taxis in landmark pilot across seven key locations in Riyadh

Dubai: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday launched the pilot phase of its first self-driving taxi programme in the capital, Riyadh — a move hailed as a milestone in the Kingdom’s push to modernise its transportation infrastructure and embrace artificial intelligence as part of its Vision 2030 agenda.

The 12-month trial introduces autonomous taxis at seven strategic locations across the city, including King Khalid International Airport (Terminals 2 and 5), Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, the Roshn Business Front, and key connecting highways. A total of 13 designated pick-up and drop-off stations have been established to support the pilot, which will run under close regulatory and technical oversight.

'Qualitative leap'

The project was formally inaugurated by Eng. Saleh Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Public Transport Authority. Speaking at the launch, Al Jasser described the initiative as a “qualitative leap” that reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to building a smart, sustainable, and integrated transport system.

“This pilot phase embodies the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to build a future-ready transport sector that supports economic diversification, enhances quality of life, and promotes technological innovation,” Al Jasser said. He underscored the importance of sustainability, operational efficiency, and localising innovation, calling the initiative a model of successful public-private collaboration.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in cooperation with a coalition of national and international stakeholders. These include the Ministry of Interior, the Digital Economy, Space and Innovation System, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Private sector partners include leading technology firms such as AiDriver, WeRide, and Uber, reflecting a strategic blend of regulatory, academic, and commercial expertise.

Operating under the supervision of the General Transport Authority, the autonomous vehicles are currently running in live urban conditions. Each taxi is equipped with a safety officer onboard to monitor system performance and ensure passenger safety during this early stage.

Advanced navigation systems

“The aim is to enable the use of autonomous vehicle technology in a real-world setting, build the appropriate legal and operational frameworks, and lay the foundation for eventual nationwide rollout,” said Dr. Omaima Bamasq, Deputy for Transport Enablement at the General Authority for Transport. “This is a foundational step in making Saudi cities smarter, more connected, and more sustainable.”

The self-driving taxis are equipped with advanced navigation systems, real-time traffic sensors, and AI-based decision-making capabilities. While passengers will ride alongside trained safety personnel during the pilot, future iterations aim to move toward fully autonomous, human-free operation.

This trial also fits into broader national efforts under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub, diversify transport modes, and cut emissions through smarter, greener technologies. The pilot will be closely monitored throughout its 12-month run, with performance metrics and passenger feedback helping to shape potential expansion into other Saudi cities.

As Riyadh becomes the latest global capital to introduce self-driving vehicles, Saudi Arabia is staking its claim in the future of mobility — one where artificial intelligence, sustainability, and innovation drive the journey forward.