WeRide Inc. Expands Global Reach with Saudi Arabia’s First Robotaxi Permit

WeRide Inc., a leading company in autonomous driving technology, has recently achieved a significant milestone by securing Saudi Arabia’s first robotaxi permit. This approval allows the company to operate its Robotaxi services nationwide, marking a substantial expansion of its global autonomous fleet to six countries.

The news has positively impacted WeRide’s stock, with shares rising following the announcement. The company, listed on the Nasdaq under the Consumer Discretionary sector, saw its stock price increase as investors reacted to the new development. As of July 24, 2025, WeRide’s close price was $10.34, with a 52-week high of $44 and a low of $6.03. Despite a negative price-to-earnings ratio of -8.4, the market capitalization stands at $21.31 billion.

WeRide’s approval in Saudi Arabia is a testament to its advanced autonomous driving products and services, which are designed to navigate complex road conditions and operate under various weather conditions. The company’s offerings include Robotaxi, Robobus, Robovan, and Robosweepers, along with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) for passenger vehicles.

In addition to the Saudi Arabia permit, WeRide has also secured a Level 4 autonomous Robotaxi service permit in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. This permit allows their taxis to operate without human intervention, further solidifying WeRide’s position in the global autonomous driving market.

The company’s recent achievements highlight its competitive edge in the autonomous driving industry, although it faces stiff competition from other players like Pony AI. Despite Pony AI pulling ahead in China’s robotaxi race, WeRide’s strategic expansions and technological advancements continue to position it as a key player in the sector.

As WeRide continues to expand its operations and enhance its technology, the company remains focused on conquering complex road conditions and navigating high population and traffic density areas, operating all day and under all weather conditions. This strategic growth and technological prowess are likely to drive further investor interest and market expansion in the coming years.