Mobility services platform inDrive has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi autonomous mobility-focused firm AI Driver to pilot self-driving ride-hailing services in the Kingdom.

A launch is targeted for the first half of 2026.

The programme will operate under the supervision of the Transport General Authority (TGA) and is planned to start in Riyadh before being extended to Jeddah.

AI Driver vice president Louis Chu said: “We are proud to partner with inDrive and the TGA to pioneer autonomous mobility in the Kingdom. Together, we will support Vision 2030’s technology and sustainability ambitions.”

AI Driver is the authorised Saudi dealer of WeRide, the autonomous driving company, and will use autonomous vehicles (AVs) on inDrive’s platform.

According to the MoU, the collaboration will cover deployment of vehicles, training of safety officers and integration of data between the two companies.

Manufacturing, shipping and customs clearance processes are due to begin immediately after the agreement’s signing.

The TGA will oversee the project to monitor safety standards, regulatory compliance and the development of local skills and capabilities in autonomous mobility.

inDrive chief technology officer Yuri Misnik said: “By combining AI Driver’s local operations and service capabilities in autonomous mobility and WeRide’s leading autonomous driving capabilities with inDrive’s global platform and local expertise, we aim to bring safer, smarter, and more accessible mobility options to communities in Saudi Arabia.”

The pilot aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives around smart transport, emissions reduction and the expansion of advanced mobility infrastructure.

In October, WeRide partnered with Uber Technologies to offer autonomous Robotaxi passenger rides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In that programme, each vehicle initially operates with an onboard operator, with plans to progress towards fully driverless services over time.