Latest news with #smartMobility
Arab News
3 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Makkah royal commission leads Saudi Arabia's push to streamline Hajj operations
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is rolling out a high-tech, data-driven operational system to improve the pilgrim experience during Hajj, led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. The initiatives emphasizes real-time coordination, smart mobility solutions and infrastructure enhancements to manage the flow of millions with greater speed, safety and efficiency, deploying cutting-edge technology and infrastructure improvements and operating on continuous assessment and gradual improvement, according to officials. At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. Through continuous assessment and integrated digital tools, the commission empowers authorities and streamlines pilgrim services across holy sites to achieve rapid response and strengthen functional integration. At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. (SPA) Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said: 'Our preparations aim to create an operational environment that empowers relevant authorities and facilitates the pilgrims' journey.' Key elements include field operation rooms, backup buses and human-flow data analysis tools to guide resources and organize crowd movement, as well as electric scooter services and Makkah taxi services within carefully planned zones. The Transport General Authority has implemented an advanced operational plan for the transport system during the Hajj season, facilitating the movement of more than 2.1 million pilgrims over a few days. Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina. (SPA) The plan includes several transport systems: Single-trip buses serving 427,433 with 9,094 buses; two-trip services for 209,656 pilgrims using 2,230 buses; a shuttle for 702,251 pilgrims using 4,980 buses; and the Mashaer Metro line serving 423,000 pilgrims. To support this, the commission is overseeing key roadwork projects, including 1.7 km of the Second Ring Road with 208 meters of bridges and 3.35 km of service roads, as well as two phases of the Third Ring Road totaling more than 8 km, to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Makkah and the Holy Sites. The commission also oversees the Kingdom's Project for the Utilization of Sacrificial Animals, also known as Adahi. Saudi Arabia has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA) Recent efforts include equipping seven operational complexes over 1 million sq. m, processing more than 1.1 million animals, and expanding distribution to more than 30 countries via platforms such as Ehsan and Saudi Post. AI-powered systems track implementation and enhance efficiency. The Business Intelligence Center and Makkah Urban Observatory support real-time decision-making and monitor demographic and spatial improvements. Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina; 71 rapid intervention points; 15 mobile ambulance units; and 170,000 sq. m of shaded pedestrian pathways in Muzdalifah lined with 10,000 trees; 64 two-story restroom complexes, and 400 modern water coolers. In central Makkah, more than 235,000 sq. m of sidewalks and 30,000 sq. m of shade have been added, along with prayer courtyards for 60,000 extra worshippers, all to improve mobility and spiritual access around the Grand Mosque. Additional upgrades include multi-story tent systems, improved Miqat mosques, and expanded facilities at Al-Taneem and Al-Ji'ranah, enhancing the beginning stages of the pilgrimage. The commission's unified vision brings together more than 10 government agencies to support pilgrims logistically and elevate their overall experience through smart, coordinated planning.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
WeRide launches fully driverless Robotaxi Trial Operations in Abu Dhabi, broadens service coverage
ABU DHABI, UAE /PRNewswire/ -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, announced the launch of fully driverless Robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi – the first deployment of its kind in the Middle East. Starting this quarter, a fleet of WeRide's Robotaxis will be piloted on public roads without a safety driver, marking a major milestone for smart mobility in Abu Dhabi. Under this new phase, WeRide will also be extending its Robotaxi service coverage to include Al Maryah Island, the city's financial hub housing the Abu Dhabi Global Market; and Al Reem Island, a vibrant residential district. These new zones build on WeRide's existing Robotaxi network, which has been safely serving Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and routes connecting to Zayed International Airport since 2021. "WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless Robotaxis in the Middle East region, showcasing our autonomous leadership in one of the world's most dynamic urban environments," said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide. "In parallel, we're expanding commercial service to high-demand areas like Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands – bringing smart mobility solutions to more users in the Middle East. Together, these demonstrate our technological maturity while moving us closer to mass commercialization of Robotaxis." WeRide is accelerating its global expansion, with the UAE as a key market. In July 2023, the company received the UAE's first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, authorizing testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads nationwide. In December 2024, WeRide and Uber launched their ride-hailing partnership in Abu Dhabi, marking the largest commercial Robotaxi service outside the US and China. Commercial driverless rides and additional service areas will be introduced from summer 2025, subject to regulatory approval. About WeRide WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. The company operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries, holding driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine's 2024 "The Future 50" list.
Gulf Business
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
WeRide launches fully driverless robotaxi trials in Abu Dhabi
Image: Supplied Chinese autonomous driving technology company WeRide has launched fully driverless robotaxi trial operations in Abu Dhabi. Starting this quarter, WeRide will operate a fleet of robotaxis on public roads in the UAE capital without a safety driver on board, in what the company called a 'major milestone' for the region's smart mobility push. The trial is accompanied by an expansion of WeRide's service coverage to include Al Maryah Island – home to the Abu Dhabi Global Market financial centre – and Al Reem Island, a key residential and commercial district. The two new areas add to WeRide's existing operations on Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and the corridors connecting to Zayed International Airport, where the company has been active since 2021. 'WeRide makes history as the first company to pilot fully driverless robotaxis in the Middle East region, showcasing our autonomous leadership in one of the world's most dynamic urban environments,' said Jennifer Li, CFO and head of International Business at WeRide. 'In parallel, we're expanding commercial service to high-demand areas like Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands – bringing smart mobility solutions to more users in the Middle East. Together, these demonstrate our technological maturity while moving us closer to mass commercialisation of robotaxis,' Li added. The UAE is a key market for WeRide In December 2024, the company launched a robotaxi ride-hailing partnership with The company also serves as a member of the Infrastructure, Regulations, and Pilot Acceleration Working Group under the Abu Dhabi Smart & Autonomous Systems Council, contributing to the development of local infrastructure and autonomous mobility legislation. Commercial driverless rides and additional coverage areas are expected to roll out progressively from summer 2025, pending regulatory approvals. WeRide operates in over 30 cities across 10 countries and holds driverless permits in China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US. Its WeRide One platform supports autonomous driving solutions across mobility, logistics, and sanitation sectors.
