The Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics, Dr Rumaih Al-Rumaih, has revealed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first foray into the development of autonomous electric vehicles.
The trial phase of ’Dhahaina’ (’Smart’) AV was formally launched at the Riyadh Business Front this week with the intention of boosting the “awareness and increase acceptance of AV technology in society”.
Dr Al-Rumaih added that Dhahaina is the first step in in a longer process that will see the development of AV legislation, regulations, and supporting systems.
Dr Al-Rumaih highlighted the Ministry’s embrace of innovative transportation techniques, and its plans to utilise advanced technologies in the transportation and logistics industry, during the event.
As per the objectives set in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, the ministry is aiming to provide solutions for smart mobility and anticipate the future development of the market.
By launching this trial, the Ministry aims to reduce the number of transport-related accidents and fatalities, improve intracity mobility, and minimise the impact of the transportation sector on the environment.
Riyadh Business Front is owned by the ROSHN Group – which is taking a novel approach to incorporating modern technology into the integrated communities it is building across the Kingdom.
ROSHN 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 in collaborating with the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, stating,: “The ’Dhahaina’ initiative is a significant leap in the technical development of transportation in the Kingdom. This trial aligns with ROSHN’s commitment to humanizing the civil experience and adapting technology to serve people within the high-quality real estate environments of our communities across the Kingdom.”
Dr Al-Rumaih, meanwhile, emphasised that these trials align with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services’ ongoing efforts to establish a national regulatory framework for AVs in collaboration with relevant entities. The primary objective is to unify efforts and establish appropriate regulatory frameworks to enable autonomous vehicles while prioritizing user safety, simplifying procedures, and attracting investors.
