In a major leap towards futuristic transport, Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) has partnered with Uber Technologies to bring autonomous vehicles to the Kingdom. This groundbreaking collaboration marks a significant milestone in the country’s drive to adopt smart mobility solutions aligned with Vision 2030.
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
The agreement was signed during the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of TGA’s Board.
The official signatories were:
- Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Acting President of TGA
- Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber
This partnership is more than a business move — it’s a bold step towards transforming mobility, creating sustainable infrastructure, and driving innovation in Saudi Arabia’s transport sector.
What’s Coming? Self-Driving Rides via Uber
TGA has announced that the first autonomous vehicle rides will launch before the end of this year through Uber’s platform. These initial rides will feature onboard safety operators to ensure smooth and secure service as the technology is introduced to the public.
Here’s what to expect in the first phase:
- ✅ Autonomous vehicle rides available via Uber
- ✅ Onboard operators to assist with safety
- ✅ Gradual rollout with continuous monitoring
- ✅ Integration with existing rideshare services
This pilot launch is a big step toward a fully autonomous transport system and will help refine the technology in real-world scenarios.
Supporting Vision 2030 & Smart Mobility Goals
This initiative is part of a broader effort to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which focus on:
- ✅ Introducing cutting-edge transport technologies
- ✅ Reducing traffic congestion and emissions
- ✅ Promoting digital innovation across industries
- ✅ Creating new economic opportunities in mobility
By deploying self-driving vehicles, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in tech-enabled mobility while preparing for the future of transport.
Safety First – a Smart but Secure rollout
Both TGA and Uber emphasized that safety is the top priority. The project will be supported by a robust regulatory framework to:
- Ensure public safety
- Monitor vehicle performance and passenger feedback
- Train operators and support staff
- Comply with local transport laws and global best practices
This thoughtful, phased approach will help build public trust and ensure that autonomous mobility can be both safe and scalable.
Why does Saudi need driverless cars?
This partnership isn’t just about driverless cars, it’s about transforming the way people move. From reducing traffic and pollution to boosting tech-driven job creation, the Uber–TGA collaboration represents a powerful step forward in Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution.
By embracing automation and innovation, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for a smarter, cleaner, and more connected transport future.