Saudi Arabia: More than 1,000 commuters try self-driving cars in Riyadh pilot program
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Over 1,000 commuters in Riyadh have used autonomous vehicles since the launch of a pilot service in July, operating at Roshn Front shopping mall and Princess Noura University.
The project is part of a collaboration between Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA), Uber and Chinese tech company WeRide. It marks one of the first large-scale trials of self-driving cars in the kingdom.
According to the TGA, the program will expand later this year with additional routes and a fleet of more than 20 autonomous vehicles. Partnering government entities include the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and other regulatory bodies.
Rides in the self-driving cars can be booked through the Uber app. Each vehicle currently includes a safety officer who monitors the system and ensures compliance with safety protocols.
The TGA said the initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy by promoting smart mobility and sustainable urban transport.
In a related development, autonomous food delivery trials also began in July at Roshn Front, through a partnership between Roshn Group and delivery platform Jahez. The service aims to speed up deliveries and reduce carbon emissions.