Saudi Arabia Autonomous Vehicle Technologies: New Investments in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's Autonomous Vehicle Technologies: New Investments in Riyadh As Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic transformation focused on technology and innovation as part of its "Vision 2030," it is also making significant investments in autonomous vehicle technologies. The capital, Riyadh, in particular, is becoming a hub for investments in this area. Autonomous Vehicle Strategy and Goals Saudi Arabia aims to digitize its transportation sector and develop sustainable smart city infrastructures. In this context, smart and autonomous vehicles are planned to become an important part of urban transportation by 2030. Autonomous shuttle vehicles integrated with the Riyadh Metro and smart traffic systems are being tested. Autonomous vehicle infrastructure is being developed through partnerships with local and international companies.  New Investments in Riyadh NEOM and Autonomous Transportation Within the scope of the NEOM project, special roads and urban transportation systems are being built for autonomous vehicles. Human-driverless vehicles will be fully integrated in NEOM's projects such as "THE LINE." Autonomous Taxi and Shuttle Vehicles in Riyadh Pilot autonomous taxi projects will be launched in 2024-2025. Negotiations are ongoing with companies such as WeRide from China and Cruise from the US. Local startups are also being supported in this area with government-backed funds. Saudi Technology Development Company (STDC) Investment STDC announced a $500 million investment for autonomous vehicle software and local production. In collaboration with universities (KAUST, KFUPM), engineering and artificial intelligence will be developed. Qualified human resources are being trained in their fields. Smart Infrastructure and 5G Integration The 5G infrastructure established in Riyadh plays a critical role in the real-time data exchange of autonomous vehicles. Traffic lights, road sensors and vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2X) systems are in the testing phase.  International Collaborations Technical collaborations are being discussed with giants such as Tesla and Waymo. Technology companies from China and South Korea are involved in local production and software development projects with Saudi partners. TÜBİTAK and Turkish autonomous vehicle start-ups are also initiating collaborations for the Saudi market.   Economic and Social Impacts The autonomous vehicle sector is expected to create more than 50,000 new jobs in Saudi Arabia by 2030. A reduction of up to 30% in traffic accidents is targeted. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainable transportation with electric autonomous vehicles.   Next Steps2025: The first autonomous taxi pilot zone opens in Riyadh. 2026: Testing of autonomous trucks and logistics vehicles. 2028: The goal of autonomous vehicles reaching a 15% share of urban transportation.   Conclusion: Saudi Arabia is progressing with the goal of becoming not only a consumer but also a producer and technology developer of autonomous vehicle technologies. As the heart of this transformation, Riyadh is rapidly preparing in terms of both infrastructure and investment. It aims to become the new technology hub of the Middle East, shaping the future of transportation.