Transport Minister Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser Launches Initial Operational Phase Of Autonomous Vehicles In Riyadh

The Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles has been launched in Riyadh by Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services. This development is a crucial step towards integrating advanced technology into Saudi Arabia's transportation system. It aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on sustainable mobility solutions using artificial intelligence.

The project is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Private sector partners like Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver are also involved.

Autonomous vehicles will operate in real-world conditions at King Khalid International Airport and key locations across Riyadh. They will cover major highways and selected city center destinations. The Transport General Authority oversees this phase to ensure regulatory compliance and technical standards are met.

Each vehicle will have a safety officer onboard to ensure passenger safety and monitor the smart systems' performance during actual operations. This approach aims to build confidence in autonomous technology while ensuring public safety.

Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser highlighted that this initiative showcases a pioneering model of public-private partnership. "The launch of this 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," he stated.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote sustainability, improve mobility efficiency, and localize innovation within the Kingdom. By enabling modern technologies, it aims to transform the transport sector while supporting economic growth.

Future Prospects

This project marks a significant milestone in developing a smart transportation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. It demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies for safer and smarter mobility solutions.

The integration of autonomous vehicles is expected to enhance the quality of life by providing efficient transportation options. As these technologies evolve, they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility in Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA