Saudi Arabian Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of the Transport General Authority, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, has launched the initial operational phase of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh.
The launch marks a critical milestone aligned with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The initiative seeks to enable the use of advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to drive sustainable mobility solutions across the Kingdom.
The initial operational phase of autonomous vehicles reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to adopting cutting-edge innovations to enhance transportation efficiency, safety, and user experience.
This pilot phase is the result of a collaborative effort involving key government entities and private sector partners. Participating stakeholders include the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Technology and operations partners supporting the project include Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver.
Initial operational phase of autonomous vehicles will operate in real-world conditions across several strategic areas in Riyadh, including King Khalid International Airport, key highways, and select city center locations. These operations are conducted under the direct regulatory and technical supervision of the Transport General Authority. For added safety, a trained safety officer will be present in each vehicle to oversee system performance and ensure passenger security.
Al-Jasser affirmed that the launch of this phase of autonomous vehicles reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to build a smart and integrated transport system that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life. He emphasized that 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.
As the Kingdom continues to adopt smart mobility solutions, this autonomous vehicles project stands as a forward-looking initiative paving the way for safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation in Saudi Arabia. The initiative also supports national efforts to boost sustainability, localize innovation, and improve the efficiency of urban mobility. By incorporating public-private collaboration, it sets a pioneering model for future partnerships in the transport sector.
