Saudi Arabia has launched a groundbreaking 12-month pilot of self-driving taxis at seven key Riyadh locations—part of its Vision 2030 smart transport drive.
🚖 Pilot Launch & Strategic Locations
Saudi Arabia inaugurated its first-ever self-driving taxi programme across seven major hubs in Riyadh—including King Khalid International Airport (Terminals 2 & 5), Princess Nourah University, and Roshn Business Front. With 13 designated pick-up/drop-off zones, the trial runs under strict regulatory and technical supervision by the Public Transport Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services.
Vision 2030 & AI‑Driven Transport
Described by Eng. Saleh Al Jasser as a “qualitative leap,” the initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to modernize infrastructure, boost sustainability, and diversify the economy. Spearheaded by SDAIA and supported by top government entities, the pilot brings together public-private partnership with AiDriver, WeRide, and Uber driving its success.
Safety & Technology Framework
Equipped with in-vehicle safety officers, these autonomous taxis use cutting-edge navigation systems, real-time traffic sensors, and AI-powered decision-making. Deputy Dr. Omaima Bamasq emphasizes this stage is foundational—building legal frameworks and optimizing system performance based on passenger feedback and KPIs.
National Integration & Future Scale-up
Embedded within the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the trial underpins Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reduce emissions, bolster logistics capabilities, and replicate the model across other cities, potentially integrating with driverless systems like the Riyadh Metro launched in December 2024.
What’s Next: Fully Autonomous Mobility?
Currently, the taxis still have crew on board. But once trust in the system grows, Riyadh aims to transition to fully autonomous rides—no human driver required— ushering in a new era of smart, sustainable urban transit.
📌 Related Insights
Explore how Riyadh’s broader transport vision came to life with the driverless Riyadh Metro and the development of Digital City, the Kingdom’s first IT business park— crucial pillars in building smart urban mobility.
