Transport General Authority And Uber Collaborate To Launch Autonomous Vehicles In Saudi Arabia

The Transport General Authority (TGA) of Saudi Arabia and Uber Technologies have entered a strategic partnership to introduce autonomous vehicles in the Kingdom. This initiative, supported by Minister of Transport Saleh Al-Jasser, aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The agreement was formalised during the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, attended by key government representatives.

The collaboration aims to integrate modern technologies into Saudi Arabia's transport sector. Initially, autonomous vehicles will operate with onboard drivers to ensure safety. The TGA plans to launch these rides via Uber's platform before year-end, working with technology providers to expand access to smart transportation solutions.

Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, acting President of TGA, and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, signed the memorandum of understanding. This partnership is part of a broader effort to transform the Kingdom’s economy and infrastructure through innovative mobility solutions.

Safety remains a primary concern for both TGA and Uber. They are committed to establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework that prioritises safety while fostering innovation in the transport sector. This framework will contribute to safer roads and smarter mobility options for everyone.

The deployment of autonomous vehicles is expected to enhance existing infrastructure and provide seamless mobility for residents and visitors alike. By leveraging Uber’s ridesharing network, the partnership aims to make smart transportation more accessible across Saudi Arabia.

Vision 2030 Objectives

This strategic collaboration supports Vision 2030’s goals by promoting smart transport technologies. It seeks to create an environment conducive to innovation while ensuring high standards of safety and service quality within the transport sector.

Al-Rumaih highlighted that this initiative is crucial for achieving Vision 2030 objectives. It represents a bold step towards transforming Saudi Arabia's transport landscape through cutting-edge technology and innovation.

The introduction of autonomous vehicles marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's journey towards modernising its transport systems. This move not only complements current infrastructure but also accelerates the delivery of advanced mobility solutions throughout the Kingdom.

With inputs from SPA