Saudi Arabia launches trial for first autonomous electric vehicle

The launch is one of the initial steps toward the development of AV legislation, regulations and supporting systems in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has launched the trial phase of ‘Dhahaina’ (Smart), a new autonomous vehicle (AV), in Riyadh. The launch event for the country’s first self-driving electric vehicle was intended to boost awareness and adoption of AV technology. With this trial, the ministry also aims to reduce the number of transport-related accidents and fatalities, improve intracity mobility, and reduce the impact of the transportation sector on the environment. The launch is seen as one of the initial steps toward the development of AV legislation, regulations and related systems in Saudi Arabia. The AV initiative is in line with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services’ aim to provide solutions for smart mobility and anticipate the future development of the market in Saudi Arabia. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics, Dr Rumaih Al-Rumaih highlighted the ministry’s embrace of innovative transportation modes, and its plans to utilise advanced technologies in the transportation and logistics industry in Saudi Arabia, as per the objectives set in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The AV inauguration took place at Riyadh Business Front, which is owned by the ROSHN Group. The company promotes sustainability by offering pedestrian-friendly streets and eco-friendly modes of transportation for commuting within its communities, while providing connections to a wide range of public and private transportation options that connect its customers to the wider city. Oussama Kabbani, the group chief development officer at ROSHN Group, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the ministry, said: “The ‘Dhahaina’ initiative is a significant leap in the technical development of transportation in the kingdom. “This trial aligns with ROSHN’s commitment to humanising the civil experience and adapting technology to serve people within the high-quality real estate environments of our communities  across the kingdom.”