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Gulf Insider
30-07-2025
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Saudi EV Buyers Have Tesla As Choice - How Soon Before More Chinese Brands Join In?
More Saudi car buyers are in the mood to give EVs a chance with more dealerships in the Kingdom set to announce tie ups with leading Chinese carmakers to speed up the process. After what seems like a long gestation period, Tesla finally opened its first outlet in April, while Saudi-backed luxury EV brand Lucid Motors has done some of the preparatory work in creating a conducive environment for non-fuel automotive options. But as happened in UAE, a range of Chinese-made EVs are set to be introduced in the Gulf's biggest car market over the coming months. (In the UAE, more than 10 Chinese EV brands made their debut starting late 2023/early 2024 and until now, and many of them have started to pick up buyer backing for them.) By end 2024, new car registrations of EVs in the UAE made up around 4%-5%, according to estimates – in Saudi Arabia, it was 1% of new car sales. 'Saudi banks are starting to offer favourable EV auto financing options, and dealers are working with insurers to come up with buyer-friendly packages,' said a dealer source. 'The UAE auto market created the blueprint to launch and push new EV brands. It can easily be replicated in a market like Saudi Arabia.' The Saudi car market is expected to account for 600,000 plus units a year by the end of the decade. If EV sales can make up 10%-15% by then, the game is on, say auto analysts. 'The EV penetration in Saudi Arabia is relatively low compared to UAE,' said Vishal Pandey, Director of Dubai-based Glasgow Consultancy Group. 'However, given the emphasis from Saudi Government on electrification, there is high likelihood that growth is going to be faster. 'There is still a perception issue among Saudi consumers in regards to EVs, as they are concerned about the high cost of acquisition, charging infrastructure, and the after-market service. Plus, there is also the resale value.'
Gulf Insider
23-07-2025
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Heritage On Wheels: The Iconic Red Truck That Connected Generations In Saudi Arabia
From the 1940s to the 1970s, a distinctive red truck — locally referred to as a lorry — became an enduring symbol of heritage and transformation across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. In an era marked by limited travel options and harsh conditions, these trucks served as lifelines, linking remote villages to major towns and cities. 'Residents and pilgrims heavily depended on the red trucks for long-distance travel, often embarking on journeys that spanned several days,' said Saudi historian Abdullah Al Zahrani while speaking to the Saudi Press Agency . He noted that the vehicles offered families a new level of comfort, marking a turning point in regional transportation. Beyond ferrying passengers, the red truck played a vital economic role. It transported food supplies to markets and helped merchants move goods such as dates, spices, livestock, and textiles — boosting trade and connecting rural economies. Salem Al Abdali, a local resident whose father once drove one of these trucks in villages south of Taif, vividly remembered its handcrafted features: the bright red paintwork, a wooden sunroof made of juniper, stitched canvas roofing, and wooden floors. He noted that these trucks became cherished alternatives to camels, forming part of the region's cultural fabric through tales, chants, and memories shared during journeys. Some drivers, he added, even offered their services for free, reflecting the era's strong sense of community and solidarity.
Gulf Insider
23-07-2025
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Saudi Arabia Launches Self-Driving Taxis In Landmark Pilot Across Seven Key Locations In Riyadh
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday launched the pilot phase of its first self-driving taxi programme in the capital, Riyadh — a move hailed as a milestone in the Kingdom's push to modernise its transportation infrastructure and embrace artificial intelligence as part of its Vision 2030 agenda. The 12-month trial introduces autonomous taxis at seven strategic locations across the city, including King Khalid International Airport (Terminals 2 and 5), Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, the Roshn Business Front, and key connecting highways. A total of 13 designated pick-up and drop-off stations have been established to support the pilot, which will run under close regulatory and technical oversight. 'Qualitative leap' The project was formally inaugurated by Eng. Saleh Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Public Transport Authority. Speaking at the launch, Al Jasser described the initiative as a 'qualitative leap' that reflects the Kingdom's commitment to building a smart, sustainable, and integrated transport system. 'This pilot phase embodies the Kingdom's ambitious vision to build a future-ready transport sector that supports economic diversification, enhances quality of life, and promotes technological innovation,' Al Jasser said. He underscored the importance of sustainability, operational efficiency, and localising innovation, calling the initiative a model of successful public-private collaboration. The initiative is spearheaded by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in cooperation with a coalition of national and international stakeholders. These include the Ministry of Interior, the Digital Economy, Space and Innovation System, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Private sector partners include leading technology firms such as AiDriver, WeRide, and Uber, reflecting a strategic blend of regulatory, academic, and commercial expertise. Operating under the supervision of the General Transport Authority, the autonomous vehicles are currently running in live urban conditions. Each taxi is equipped with a safety officer onboard to monitor system performance and ensure passenger safety during this early stage. Advanced navigation systems 'The aim is to enable the use of autonomous vehicle technology in a real-world setting, build the appropriate legal and operational frameworks, and lay the foundation for eventual nationwide rollout,' said Dr. Omaima Bamasq, Deputy for Transport Enablement at the General Authority for Transport. 'This is a foundational step in making Saudi cities smarter, more connected, and more sustainable.' The self-driving taxis are equipped with advanced navigation systems, real-time traffic sensors, and AI-based decision-making capabilities. While passengers will ride alongside trained safety personnel during the pilot, future iterations aim to move toward fully autonomous, human-free operation. This trial also fits into broader national efforts under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub, diversify transport modes, and cut emissions through smarter, greener technologies. The pilot will be closely monitored throughout its 12-month run, with performance metrics and passenger feedback helping to shape potential expansion into other Saudi cities. As Riyadh becomes the latest global capital to introduce self-driving vehicles, Saudi Arabia is staking its claim in the future of mobility — one where artificial intelligence, sustainability, and innovation drive the journey forward.
