From Riyadh to Beijing The Five Biggest Automotive Headlines of the Week
Saudi Arabia Launches Pilot Program for Self-Driving Taxis
In a regional first, Saudi Arabia's General Transport Authority has launched a pilot phase for autonomous taxis in Riyadh, with the participation of the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser. The 12-month trial includes 13 electric charging stations spread across seven strategic locations in the capital. While the vehicles operate autonomously, safety drivers are present during the initial phase. With a top speed of 100 km/h, the initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's strategic push toward innovative, sustainable mobility solutions.
Xiaomi Enters the EV Arena with a Powerful Debut Drive of the YU7
Arab GT was granted exclusive access to test the all-new Xiaomi YU7, the luxury electric SUV that marks the tech giant's ambitious leap into the automotive world. Our colleague Ahmed Abu Jameel tested the 'Max' variant—the most powerful version—equipped with dual electric motors delivering a combined output of 673 horsepower and 866 Nm of torque. The YU7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.23 seconds. With such performance and refinement, Xiaomi signals it's not here to experiment—it's here to compete.
Tesla's 'New' Affordable Car Is Just a Cheaper Model Y
After months of speculation, Tesla has confirmed that its anticipated affordable EV isn't an all-new model but a lower-priced version of the existing Model Y. During the Q2 earnings call, CEO Elon Musk stated, 'It's simply the Model Y,' reaffirming the company's current focus on optimizing existing platforms instead of introducing new nameplates. While this strategy could offer short-term relief amid slowing sales, it raises critical questions about whether pricing alone can fuel Tesla's long-term growth.
Trump-Japan Trade Deal Sparks Outrage in the U.S. Auto Industry
A new trade agreement between former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and Japan has drawn sharp criticism from American automakers—especially the Detroit Big Three. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese cars and parts, while U.S. brands manufacturing abroad continue to face tariffs of up to 25%. Beyond the numbers, the deal reignites the debate between protectionism and free-market competition, potentially disrupting global supply dynamics.
Bentley Bentayga Speed Tested by Arab GT's Mousub Shashaa
In a rare and exclusive drive, Arab GT founder Mousub Shashaa got behind the wheel of the latest Bentley Bentayga Speed—the most powerful version of the British marque's top-selling SUV. While the model has moved away from the iconic W12 engine, it's now bolder than ever. A key highlight is the Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, which adds an exhilarating acoustic edge to the driving experience. It's a clear example of Bentley's unmatched ability to merge ultra-luxury with uncompromising performance.
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Arab News
3 minutes ago
- Arab News
International Falcon Breeders Auction draws experts from Kingdom and abroad
RIYADH: The International Falcon Breeders Auction 2025, which is taking place at Malham, north of Riyadh, is aiming to boost the falcon-breeding industry in Saudi Arabia by drawing experts from the Kingdom and abroad. The event provides a competitive platform from which falconers can explore the latest breeding and hybridization techniques and exchange expertise with breeders worldwide. The auction is known to draw eye-watering sums for the best birds, with some fetching upwards of SR375,000 ($100,000). Last year's auction raised a total of SR10 million after 866 falcons were sold. Falconer Hamad bin Mislih Al-Qahtani told the Saudi Press Agency that falconry in the Kingdom had made significant strides over the past five years, thanks to direct interaction with international farms participating in the auction. Such engagement, he said, had exposed local falconers to superior bloodlines and modern methods that enhanced falcons' speed and hunting skills. Saudi falconer Badr Al-Aradi spoke to the SPA about his peregrine called Salman, reportedly one of the finest specimens produced by a Saudi farm, with an entirely local lineage resulting from the mating of two pure peregrines. The bird weighs 1,090 grams, measures 17 cm in length and 16.5 cm in width, with a balanced build and exceptional acrobatic capabilities. Al-Aradi noted that his falcons typically avoid leaving the farm's provided shelters, which had prompted him to develop a tracking device to monitor their movements. He added: 'I was surprised to find that Salman travels long distances daily. On one occasion he flew 606 km in just eight hours, starting from Turabah, passing through Qassim, then returning to Hail — soaring at altitudes exceeding 3,600 meters.' He said that Salman's feat occurred at the age of less than three months, demonstrating remarkable endurance and sustaining flight despite high temperatures — an uncommon achievement for a young peregrine. The event, which runs until Aug. 25, is organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, and is open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors and enthusiasts can follow the proceedings live on television and the official digital platforms of the Saudi Falcons Club. The event includes pavilions for breeders, an auction yard, supplies stores, and a special corner for the Future Falconer children's area. There are also a number of interactive presentations by falconers on care and breeding methods.
Arab News
33 minutes ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia leads Pakistan's July worker remittances as inflows hit $3.2 billion
KARACHI: Saudi Arabia was the top source of Pakistani workers' remittances in July, as overall inflows reached $3.2 billion, up 7.4 percent year-on-year, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Friday. Remittances are a key pillar of Pakistan's external finances, providing hard currency that supports household consumption, helps narrow the current-account gap and bolsters foreign exchange reserves. The steady pipeline from Gulf economies, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has remained crucial for Pakistan's balance of payments. The SBP said July inflows were 'mainly sourced from Saudi Arabia ($823.7 million), United Arab Emirates ($665.2 million), United Kingdom ($450.4 million) and United States of America ($269.6 million).' 'Workers' remittances recorded an inflow of $ 3.2 billion during July 2025,' the central bank said in a statement. Pakistan received a record $38.3 billion in workers' remittances during the last fiscal year, reporting an increase of about $8 billion over a 12-month period that exceeds the country's ongoing $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia led all contributors during FY25, with remittances totaling $9.34 billion, followed by the United Arab Emirates at $7.83 billion, the United Kingdom at $5.99 billion and the United States at $3.72 billion. Remittances from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries excluding Saudi Arabia and the UAE totaled $3.71 billion, while EU countries contributed $3.53 billion. Economists say remittances function as a stabilizer for Pakistan's economy, helping millions of households manage expenses while giving policymakers breathing room during periods of tight external financing conditions. With traditional sources in the Middle East still accounting for the bulk of transfers, the trajectory of regional labor demand remains central to Pakistan's outlook on remittance flows.
Arab News
33 minutes ago
- Arab News
New parking management system for Riyadh residential areas
RIYADH: A new system to regulate parking in Riyadh's residential neighborhoods will come into effect on Saturday. The managed parking system will issue digital permits to residents and visitors through the Riyadh Parking app, without a fee. It was introduced to reduce congestion and prevent vehicles from main roads spilling into residential areas, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The new system will be rolled out initially in the Al-Wurud neighborhood, with plans in place to expand the project to other areas near existing paid parking zones. It aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 goal to create a more organized urban environment and improve quality of life for residents. The project follows the earlier introduction of paid parking on some streets in the capital in 2024. Riyadh Parking also announced the introduction of paid parking in several new locations. From Saturday, paid parking will be in effect on Prince Mosaad Bin Jalawi Road in both directions, between King Abdulaziz Road and Makkah Al-Mukarramah Road. The Makkah Road, from King Abdulaziz Road to the intersection of Prince Msaad bin Jalawi Road, will also require paid parking from Saturday. The Riyadh Parking app, linked to the national Nafath platform, allows residents to pay for parking. It also uses monitoring vehicles equipped with cameras to enforce parking regulations. It aims to regulate more than 140,000 unpaid residential spaces and 24,000 paid commercial spaces across the capital. Twelve districts, including Al-Wurud, Al-Rahmaniyah, western Al-Olaya, Al-Murouj, King Fahd and Al-Sulaymaniyah, as well as four southern districts, will be covered in this phase. The project is the result of a partnership between Remat Al-Riyadh Development Company, the mayoralty's development arm, and STC.
