The Future of Self-Driving Vehicles in Saudi Arabia’s Mobility Industry

Saudi Arabia is accelerating its push toward modernizing its transport sector by embracing autonomous vehicles (AVs), with ambitious plans to have 15% of public transport vehicles operating autonomously by 2030. These efforts are part of the country’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the economy and integrate cutting-edge technologies across multiple sectors. The transport ministry’s recent initiatives, including the launch of a trial driverless minibus and the introduction of the Saudi Road Code, signal a new era for the nation’s mobility landscape.

Building Smart Infrastructure for Autonomous Vehicles

A major challenge to the integration of autonomous vehicles lies in the development of the necessary infrastructure. To address this, Saudi Arabia has begun installing smart communication devices along its roadways. These devices will interact with AVs in real time, providing critical road condition data and enabling vehicles to make safe driving decisions. This infrastructure development, guided by the new Saudi Road Code, is a crucial step towards the safe and efficient deployment of autonomous vehicles in the Kingdom. The code will officially come into effect in early 2025, marking a milestone in the nation’s transportation overhaul.

The smart communication devices, along with other advancements, are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce road congestion. The Saudi Road Code also sets out clear guidelines for the integration of AVs into the country’s road networks, ensuring that road authorities have the tools they need to manage and maintain the infrastructure for this new generation of vehicles.

Strategic Investments in the Automotive and Mobility Industry

In parallel with infrastructure upgrades, Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in the automotive and mobility industry. Last year, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched the National Automotive and Mobility Investment Company to develop local manufacturing capabilities and establish partnerships with global firms. These strategic investments aim to build a robust supply chain for the automotive industry, including AVs, further supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a hub for cutting-edge transportation technologies.

The company’s first major project was a joint venture to develop an automotive logistics hub in King Abdullah Economic City. This hub will serve the aftermarket parts industry, crucial for supporting AV operations and maintenance in the country. Such initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where autonomous vehicles can thrive, enhancing both the mobility industry and the economy at large.

Challenges in the Journey to Autonomous Mobility

Despite these advances, Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges in its pursuit of autonomous mobility. One of the most prominent obstacles is the slow adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which often form the foundation for AV technology. In 2023, there were fewer than 1,000 EVs on Saudi roads, highlighting the gap between aspirations and reality. However, with PIF subsidiaries such as Ceer and Lucid planning to open EV factories in the country by 2024, the landscape may soon shift.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s road safety efforts are also driving the push for AV technology. The country has seen a reduction in road fatalities, falling from 28.8 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 18.5 in 2021, yet this number remains above the global average of 15. AVs have the potential to further reduce these fatalities by minimizing human error, which is a major cause of traffic accidents.

The Future of Mobility in Saudi Arabia

Looking forward, Saudi Arabia’s mobility industry is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and the automotive sector, alongside the government’s commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles into public transport, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leader in the region’s autonomous mobility revolution.

The introduction of the Saudi Road Code in 2025 and the continued development of smart infrastructure will pave the way for the widespread use of autonomous vehicles. While challenges remain, particularly in terms of EV adoption and traffic safety improvements, Saudi Arabia’s vision for a high-tech, efficient transport system is steadily becoming a reality. As autonomous vehicles become a more prominent part of the nation’s transport infrastructure, they will not only revolutionize mobility but also contribute to economic growth and sustainability.