inDrive and Ai Driver Set the Stage for Autonomous Mobility in Saudi Arabia and CTO Yuri Misnik Shares Key Insights with Riyadh Daily

In a major step toward the future of transportation in the Kingdom, inDrive, the global mobility and urban services platform, and Ai Driver, a Saudi autonomous mobility company and the official dealer of WeRide, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the supervision of the Transport General Authority (TGA). The partnership aims to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services in Saudi Arabia, starting with Riyadh before expanding to Jeddah. 

Following the official announcement, Riyadh Daily spoke with Yuri Misnik, Chief Technology Officer at inDrive, to explore how this initiative will enhance safety, support local talent, and contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions for innovation and smart mobility. 

A New Operational Era: What Saudi Arabia Will Gain from This Pilot 

Misnik explained that the pilot program represents a completely new operational model for the Saudi mobility ecosystem, one that requires strategic collaboration between multiple stakeholders. “We are initiating the autonomous vehicles pilot in Saudi Arabia, which introduces a transformative operational framework,” he said. “inDrive will serve as the primary operator, WeRide will deliver the core AI technology, and Ai Driver will provide the essential local technical capabilities. Collectively, our responsibility is to ensure that the system operates safely and in full alignment with the needs of passengers.”

He added that the pilot will allow all three parties to assess how the vehicles perform in real conditions, while providing continuous feedback to the TGA. “We will provide comprehensive operational and safety data to the regulator to support a clear understanding of vehicle behavior and any refinements that may be required,” he said. “This process enables the TGA to advance the regulatory framework in a measured and informed manner as the Kingdom progresses toward full autonomy.”

How the Project Positions Saudi Arabia for a Self-Driving Future 

According to Misnik, autonomous mobility is inevitable, but requires a phased and well-structured approach. “We believe the future will include a significant role for self-driving cars. But to get there, we must begin with controlled pilot programs,” he explained. Collecting and analyzing local data is crucial: “Every country is unique. Running autonomous vehicles on predefined routes in Saudi Arabia helps us tune algorithms, understand local environments, and evaluate operational feasibility. The more pilots we run, in Riyadh or elsewhere, the faster we can scale autonomous mobility across the Kingdom.” Misnik emphasized that regulatory collaboration is equally essential, as real-world data will guide decision-making around safety, compliance, and operational readiness. 

New Job Opportunities for Saudi Talent 

One of the most common questions about autonomous mobility concerns its impact on jobs. Misnik clarified that the shift would create more opportunities, not eliminate them. “Autonomous mobility is fundamentally an AI-driven industry, and AI is a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” he said.

He explained that the transition will generate a range of new roles across technology, engineering, and operations. These include software engineering, data modeling and data science, AI system supervision, high-tech vehicle maintenance, hardware and sensor calibration, and servicing cameras and onboard equipment. “These vehicles integrate highly advanced hardware and computing systems,” he added. “We will require skilled technicians and engineers who can maintain, calibrate, and optimize these components, which will fuel the creation of an entirely new ecosystem of technology-focused jobs.”

He also noted that autonomous vehicles can take on lower-value trips, such as short-distance rides, enabling human drivers to concentrate on higher-earning routes and improve their overall productivity.

Supporting the Local Tech Ecosystem 

Misnik highlighted the strategic importance of working with local partners like Ai Driver.

“Ai Driver is a Saudi technology company leading the Kingdom’s first commercial autonomous driving initiative, and collaborating with them significantly accelerates the development of local expertise in autonomy and mobility,” he said. Misnik explained that the advancement of autonomous systems depends heavily on localized data, which in turn creates opportunities for Saudi professionals in AI, machine learning, and mobility engineering. “This partnership is about deploying advanced technology in a manner that expands opportunities for Saudi talent and supports the long-term growth of the Kingdom’s technology ecosystem.”

Economic Impact and Mobility Transformation 

Misnik believes the project will deliver broad economic benefits and strengthen the Kingdom’s mobility landscape. “This initiative will help create a more intelligent and efficient transport system that supports the sustainability objectives of Vision 2030. It will also raise the overall standard of ride-hailing services and deliver a better experience for passengers.”

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with national goals to reduce emissions, modernize transport infrastructure, and foster innovation-driven growth.

A Milestone for the Kingdom’s Mobility Future 

With deployment, training, customs clearance, and system integration moving ahead immediately, the pilot is expected to launch in H1 2026. Misnik concluded with optimism, saying, “We are proud to support the next stage of Saudi Arabia’s transportation evolution. Our goal is to deliver safer and smarter mobility for communities across the Kingdom, and this project is an important step toward that future.”