RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser launched a trial of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh on Wednesday. 

It marks a major step toward enabling advanced technology and developing a smart and safe transportation ecosystem in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 goals by adopting sustainable mobility solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

In this phase, autonomous vehicles will operate in real-world conditions, covering King Khalid International Airport and key locations across Riyadh, including major highways and selected city-center destinations. 

The Transport General Authority is supervising the project. During this stage, vehicles will carry passengers with a safety officer onboard to monitor systems.

Al-Jasser said the launch reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to build a smart, integrated transport system that supports economic growth and improves quality of life.

He added that enabling modern technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks are essential to transforming the transport sector. 

The project stems from a partnership between the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.

Other key participants include the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, along with private-sector partners Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver. 

Al-Jasser emphasized said the project showcases pioneering public-private partnerships, paving the way for safer and smarter mobility.