Latest news with #TransportandLogisticsServices
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
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.
Gulf Insider
17-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia To Expand Rail Network By 50%, Double Airport Passenger Capacity In Transport overhaul
Saudi Arabia has announced a sweeping set of targets to overhaul its transport and logistics sector, including a more than 50 per cent expansion of the national railway network and a plan to more than double passenger capacity at its airports, as part of its broader goal to position the Kingdom as a global logistics powerhouse. The plans, according to Saudi were outlined by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al Jasser, during a high-level panel titled ' Shaping the Future of Transport: People, Technology, and Policy' at the Global Aviation and Maritime Transport Summit. Al Jasser said the government is making steady progress toward building a fully integrated, people-centric transport ecosystem powered by technology and forward-thinking policy. At the heart of the Kingdom's strategy, he said, is the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched in mid-2021 as a core component of Vision 2030 aimed diversifying its economy and reducing its reliance on oil. Among the key initiatives is the development of specialised logistics zones designed to enhance multimodal integration by linking sea, air, and land transport systems with customs operations and digital infrastructure. A notable example is the integrated logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, which will soon be connected to King Abdulaziz International Airport via the Kingdom's forthcoming land bridge railway project. 'These efforts will streamline cargo movement, improve national coverage, and significantly reduce operational bottlenecks,' Al Jasser said. He also highlighted the success of the unified national digital logistics platform, a system that links customs, ports, airlines, and freight forwarders, which has already cut customs clearance times by more than 30 per cent.
Gulf Insider
16-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Plans Massive Expansion Of Its Transport Network
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services has outlined the Kingdom's ambitious plans to double the transport and logistics sector's contribution to its gross domestic product (GDP). This will include expansion of its railway network by over 50 per cent, and more than double the current passenger capacity at its airports. Minister Saleh Al-Jasser revealed the targets during a ministerial session titled 'Shaping the Future of Transport: People, Technology, and Policy' at the Global Aviation and Maritime Transport Summit. He said the Kingdom is advancing steadily to build an integrated transport ecosystem centered on people and powered by technology and modern policies and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop logistics zones and enhance multimodal integration by connecting transport systems with customs and digital infrastructure, improving service efficiency and nationwide coverage. A key initiative for Saudi is the integrated logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, directly linked to the main seaport, customs warehouses, and air cargo facilities. The minister said that the zone will soon be connected by rail to King Abdulaziz International Airport through an upcoming land bridge project. Launched in mid-2021, the National Transport and Logistics Strategy is part of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to unify the country's multimodal logistics framework and solidify its position as a leading global hub. It includes the unified national digital logistics platform, which links customs, ports, airlines, and freight forwarders, and has already cut customs clearance times by more than 30 per cent. Al-Jasser stated that Saudi Arabia is developing a fully integrated logistics model that combines infrastructure, policy, and technology to future-proof the sector and enhance international partnerships.
Arabian Business
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia plans massive expansion of its transport network
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services has outlined the Kingdom's ambitious plans to double the transport and logistics sector's contribution to its gross domestic product (GDP). This will include expansion of its railway network by over 50 per cent, and more than double the current passenger capacity at its airports. Minister Saleh Al-Jasser revealed the targets during a ministerial session titled 'Shaping the Future of Transport: People, Technology, and Policy' at the Global Aviation and Maritime Transport Summit. He said the Kingdom is advancing steadily to build an integrated transport ecosystem centered on people and powered by technology and modern policies and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop logistics zones and enhance multimodal integration by connecting transport systems with customs and digital infrastructure, improving service efficiency and nationwide coverage. A key initiative for Saudi is the integrated logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, directly linked to the main seaport, customs warehouses, and air cargo facilities. The minister said that the zone will soon be connected by rail to King Abdulaziz International Airport through an upcoming land bridge project. Launched in mid-2021, the National Transport and Logistics Strategy is part of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to unify the country's multimodal logistics framework and solidify its position as a leading global hub. It includes the unified national digital logistics platform, which links customs, ports, airlines, and freight forwarders, and has already cut customs clearance times by more than 30 per cent. Al-Jasser stated that Saudi Arabia is developing a fully integrated logistics model that combines infrastructure, policy, and technology to future-proof the sector and enhance international partnerships.
Saudi Gazette
15-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia to expand railway network by over 50% under transport strategy
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia aims to double the transport and logistics sector's contribution to GDP, expand its railway network by over 50%, and more than double current passenger capacity at its airports, as part of a national drive to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub. Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser revealed the targets during a ministerial session titled 'Shaping the Future of Transport: People, Technology, and Policy' at the Global Aviation and Maritime Transport Summit. He said the Kingdom is advancing steadily to build an integrated transport ecosystem centered on people and powered by technology and modern policies. Al-Jasser highlighted ongoing efforts to develop logistics zones and enhance multimodal integration by connecting transport systems with customs and digital infrastructure, improving service efficiency and nationwide coverage. One key initiative is the integrated logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port, directly linked to the main seaport, customs warehouses, and air cargo noted that the zone will soon be connected by rail to King Abdulaziz International Airport through the upcoming land bridge unified national digital logistics platform, which links customs, ports, airlines, and freight forwarders, has already cut customs clearance times by more than 30%, streamlining cargo flow across the in mid-2021, the National Transport and Logistics Strategy is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to unify the country's multimodal logistics framework and solidify its position as a leading global his remarks, Al-Jasser stressed that resilience is no longer a strategic option but a necessity for survival in a rapidly changing affirmed that Saudi Arabia is building a fully integrated logistics model that combines infrastructure, policy, and technology to future-proof the sector and strengthen international partnerships.
