Saudi General Transport Authority, Uber Sign a Strategic Partnership to Launch Self-Driving Vehicles in the Kingdom

The General Transport Authority and Uber Technology signed a strategic partnership agreement to launch self-driving vehicles in the Kingdom. This step reflects efforts to keep pace with technological developments, adopt modern innovations in the transport sector, and enable smart mobility to achieve the goals of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics and Saudi Vision 2030. The agreement was sponsored by Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Transport Authority.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Acting Chairman of the General Transport Authority, and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of the company, following a meeting held in Riyadh on the sidelines of the Saudi-US Investment Forum, in the presence of representatives of relevant government agencies.

The General Transport Authority will launch the first self-driving vehicle trips via the Uber app, in partnership with service providers, before the end of this year. Initial implementation of this step will include support and the presence of operators inside the vehicles to help ensure safety. By leveraging Uber’s ride-hailing network, the Public Transport Authority and Uber will work with autonomous vehicle technology partners to expand consumer access to autonomous vehicle technology.

This strategic partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 for the Future of Mobility, which aims to drive a bold transformation of the Kingdom’s economy, infrastructure, and transportation sector. The launch of autonomous vehicles in the Kingdom will complement existing infrastructure and accelerate the rollout of seamless mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike.

His Excellency Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Acting President of the Public Transport Authority, said: “This partnership supports our efforts to enable smart transportation technologies and achieve the national goals under Vision 2030. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while ensuring safety and quality of service across the sector.”

The Public Transport Authority and Uber emphasized that safety is a top priority, and through this collaboration, a robust regulatory framework will be established to enhance mobility safety and contribute to building safer roads and smarter transportation solutions for all.