Saudi Arabia Introduces First Pilot Phase of Autonomous Vehicles in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia : Real-world testing of self-driving taxis has begun in Riyadh across seven different locations.

• The aim is to update the transport system and incorporate AI as part of Vision 2030. 
• During the next year, 13 pick-up and drop-off spots will be used for the 12-month trial period.
• Safety officers will closely watch the vehicles, which fall under the direct supervision of the Transport General Authority.

Saudi Arabia launched the first phase of driverless vehicle testing in Riyadh, showing a move towards smarter, more modern transport options. The programme was officially started by Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, and Chair of the Transport General Authority. He highlighted its role in bringing innovative tech and building a safe, intelligent transport system.

Testing in 7 key locations in real-world conditions

The project will take place in real-world conditions at seven key locations in Riyadh. These include King Khalid International Airport’s Terminals 2 and 5, Roshn Business Front, Princess Nourah University, the North Train Station, and the Transport General Authority’s office.

A total of 13 pick-up and drop-off points have been established for the trial. The project is a joint venture involving the SDAIA, Ministry of Interior, the Geospatial Authority, and private companies. These companies are AiDriver, WeRide, and Uber. The move shows Saudi Arabia’s focus on developing local innovation and encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Close monitoring by authorities

The vehicles will be monitored carefully by safety officers on board during the 12-month test phase. They will run mainly on big highways and city streets under the direct supervision of the Authority. This oversight will include both regulatory and technical support.

Al-Jasser highlighted that this project shows the Kingdom's dedication to sustainable transport and economic progress. He called it "a model for smart and safe transport partnerships." The Authority said the goal of the test is to get ready for a wider national launch. It aims to make Saudi Arabia a leader in driverless mobility in the region.

Other regions joining the programme

The development in Saudi Arabia comes after Dubai announced the launch of autonomous vehicle trials earlier this month. For this project, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority partnered with Pony.ai. The trial runs will begin later in 2025, with plans for fully driverless commercial services in 2026. Dubai aims to have 25 per cent of trips using autonomous vehicles by 2030.

Pony.ai recently introduced its seventh-generation driverless car. It was developed with major car makers like Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. These new vehicles feature advanced AI systems to help them drive safely. For handling tricky road conditions, these vehicles incorporate a set of sensors, lidars, radars, and high-res cameras.

The company has also partnered with big tech firms like Tencent and Alibaba. They are integrating robotaxi services into apps like Alipay and WeChat. This will make using driverless taxis easier for users and improve their travel experience.