As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has officially launched its first operational trials of self-driving vehicles in Riyadh back in July 2025.
Headed by the Transport General Authority (TGA), the initiative aims to create a smart, safe, and sustainable transportation ecosystem aligned with the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.
Overview of the Pilot Program
The 12-month pilot program will see autonomous vehicles operating across seven strategic locations in Riyadh, including King Khalid International Airport, Roshn Business Front, and Princess Nourah University.
These vehicles will be equipped with advanced navigation systems, real-time traffic sensors, and AI-driven decision-making capabilities.
To ensure passenger safety during this initial phase, trained onboard safety officers will monitor system performance and user experience.
The introduction of these autonomous vehicles is expected to enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and lower accident rates.
In a research by Ashyfah Abdul Hamid and Mohd Firdaus Roslan in June 2023, human error is a primary cause of road accidents worldwide.
Therefore, the Kingdom believes that the deployment of self-driving technology could significantly improve road safety. The vehicles will utilize specific algorithms to communicate with each other and with traffic management systems, optimizing traffic flow and minimizing delays.
The Kingdom is investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades (in October 2023, the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF) committed USD 100 million to Pony.ai, a leading global autonomous-driving company) to accommodate the needs of autonomous vehicles, including the introduction of smart traffic signals, road sensors, and high-speed 5G networks.
Such infrastructure enhancements are crucial for the efficient operation of autonomous vehicles. For instance, smart traffic signals will facilitate better communication between vehicles and traffic systems, allowing for smoother traffic flow and reducing wait times at intersections. The deployment of High Definition (HD) maps and real-time data sharing will further enhance navigation and safety.
The TGA’s introduced “Regulatory Sandbox” in 2023, a controlled testing space that allows both startups and established companies to experiment with emerging transport models, such as autonomous vehicles, while operating under regulatory oversight.
Additionally, the Regulatory Sandbox enables companies to test new technologies in a real-world environment without the constraints of existing regulations, which may not yet account for the complexities of autonomous driving.
The potential benefits of autonomous vehicles extend beyond technological advancements. The initiative is expected to contribute to economic diversification by opening new avenues for investment and job creation.
Moreover, the integration of autonomous vehicles into public transport systems could lead to reduced operational costs and improved service efficiency. This transition may also support local businesses by enhancing accessibility to different parts of the city, making it easier for residents and tourists to navigate urban spaces.
Environmental Sustainability
LBy integrating electric propulsion technologies and renewable energy sources, the Kingdom aims to support its environmental protection efforts and reduce carbon emissions. In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s CO₂ emissions reached approximately 623 million metric tons. According to the Saudi Green Initiative, its national target is to cut emissions by 278 million metric tons annually by 2030, on the path toward net-zero by 2060.
Additionally, the use of autonomous shuttles and buses could help reduce private car dependency, which is notable considering that Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics reported an average of 1.38 cars per household in 2019.
Future Prospects
As the trials progress, the Kingdom anticipates a gradual expansion of autonomous vehicle use in specific areas, such as universities, residential complexes, and tourist destinations.
In the coming decade, it is expected that autonomous vehicles will be a part of the public transport landscape and be integrated into smart city applications, including ride-sharing services and on-demand transportation models.
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