Saudi Transport Minister Launches Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles
This milestone marks a significant step aimed at enabling advanced technology and expanding the development of a smart and safe transportation ecosystem in the Kingdom.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and is an extension of Saudi Vision 2030 towards adopting sustainable mobility solutions powered by the latest artificial intelligence technologies.
This project is the result of an integrated partnership that brings together the transport and logistics ecosystem and relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ecosystem, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), in addition to private sector partners represented by technology and operations partners Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver.
The autonomous vehicles in this phase will operate within a real-world environment covering King Khalid International Airport and several key locations across Riyadh, including major highways and selected city center destinations.
This phase is implemented under the direct regulatory and technical supervision of the Transport General Authority. The vehicles will transport passengers with a safety officer onboard each vehicle to ensure safety and monitor the performance of smart systems in actual operating conditions.
Al-Jasser stressed that the launch of the initial operational phase reflects the Kingdom's ambitious vision to build a smart and integrated transport system that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life.
Enabling modern technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks are key pillars to expanding the implementation of this technology and supporting the transformation of the transport sector, he added.
The initiative is an extension of the Kingdom's efforts to promote sustainability, improve mobility efficiency, and localize innovation. This project represents a pioneering model of public-private partnership, paving the way for a future of safer and smarter mobility, he stated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
9 minutes ago
- Arab News
Rajasthan Foundation announces Riyadh chapter
In a significant move to connect with the global Rajasthani diaspora, the Rajasthan Foundation, an initiative of the government of Rajasthan under the chairmanship of the chief minister, has announced the establishment of its Riyadh-Saudi Arabia Chapter. This initiative will bring together non-resident Rajasthanis on a common platform to promote cultural, business, and educational cooperation and extend a helping hand in times of need. To ensure smooth functioning and coordinated efforts, a 10-member executive committee was formed under the leadership of Vijay Soni. This committee comprises active and committed members of the Rajasthani community residing in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Manisha Arora, director of Rajasthan Foundation, held a virtual meeting with the newly appointed chapter presidents. Soni briefed the team on the importance and contribution of the foundation to non-resident Rajasthanis, calling it a true gift to Rajasthanis living in Saudi Arabia from the government of Rajasthan. Rajasthan Foundation actively assists non-resident Rajasthanis in resolving any grievances or issues related to their home districts. Additional District Magistrates have been appointed as nodal officers in each district to ensure all necessary help and coordination. Key highlights of the meeting opportunities: Discussions were held on fostering trade, investment, and business partnerships between Rajasthan and Saudi Arabia. 2. Cultural exchange: A mutual commitment was made to promote initiatives in tourism, education, and the Rajasthani (Marwari) language. Focus on building collaborative networks among professionals, entrepreneurs, and officials from both regions. Future roadmap •Joint implementation of mutually beneficial projects between Rajasthan and Saudi Arabia. •Launch of a membership campaign to connect more non-resident Rajasthanis with the foundation. •Establishment of a shared platform to promote Rajasthan's heritage, language, and education globally. Members of the executive committee of the Riyadh chapter include: Soni, Laxman Singh Parmar, Gauri Shankar Pareek, Anil Malpani, Rajeev Kumar, Gaurav Mehta, Prem Purushottam Purohit, Kshirod Kumar Kalyani, Rais Ahmed Syed, and Mohammad Ghulam Khan. This initiative by the Rajasthan Foundation marks a vital step in uniting non-resident Rajasthanis and strengthening cultural, educational, and economic ties with Saudi Arabia. Through the Riyadh chapter, efforts have now begun to take Rajasthan's rich culture, language, and entrepreneurial spirit to the global stage.
Arab News
9 minutes ago
- Arab News
Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports
Savvy Games Group, a Public Investment Fund company driving the growth of games and esports in Saudi Arabia, and King Abdulaziz University have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer specialized diplomas in games production and esports management to students. The collaboration will equip Saudi students with high-impact skills to help them pursue careers in the fast-growing games and esports industries. This MoU lays the groundwork for a strategic partnership between Savvy and KAU, with a shared vision to develop national talent and empower the next generation of professionals in Saudi Arabia's games and esports industry. The two diplomas — Games Production and Esports Management — will launch in the upcoming academic year. Launching in the upcoming academic year, the two diplomas — Games Production and Esports Management — will provide high-quality learning to students, blending academic education with practical, industry-driven expertise. By enrolling into these programs, students will gain core competencies in managing game development projects and organizing professional esports events — two vital fields that are shaping the future of entertainment, technology, and digital experiences. 'This partnership with King Abdulaziz University is a key step in building local capabilities in game development and esports operations,' said Majed Al-Muhanna, chief human resources officer at Savvy. 'This is part of our Savvy Academy initiative, through which we are enabling new pathways for the next generation of Saudi professionals to gain the skills and experience required to succeed and be a leader in this industry. Our work directly supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030's ambition of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for games and esports.' Prof. Mohammed Balubaid, dean of the Applied College, added: 'This partnership with Savvy underscores our commitment to equipping students for careers in rapidly growing industries aligned with Vision 2030. As gaming and esports expand at an unprecedented pace, there's a rising demand for talent that combines creative insight with operational excellence. Through this collaboration, students are expected to be exposed to real-world opportunities such as potentially supporting major international events like the Esports World Cup hosted in Saudi Arabia. We're proud to offer our students these pathways and contribute to shaping the Kingdom's digital future.' The MoU is part of Savvy Academy's Level-Up program that is designed to provide vocational training in games and esports to university students in Saudi Arabia by partnering with renowned educational institutions.
Argaam
9 minutes ago
- Argaam
Société Générale hired as primary dealer for local gov't debt instruments
The Ministry of Finance and the National Debt Management Center (NDMC) signed an agreement with Société Générale to appoint the latter as a primary dealer for local government debt instruments. In a statement, NDMC said Société Générale joined five international financial institutions previously enrolled in the primary dealer program. They include BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Standard Chartered. This is in addition to the 10 local financial institutions: Saudi National Bank (SNB), Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), Bank AlJazira, Alinma Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, Albilad Capital, AlJazira Capital, Al Rajhi Capital, Derayah Financial, and Saudi Fransi Capital. NDMC noted that this agreement is part of ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 under the Financial Sector Development Program through enabling financial institutions and developing an advanced capital market. It also highlighted the role of the NDMC in enhancing access to local debt markets through diversifying the investor base to ensure sustainable access and support the development of the secondary market.
