An Uber Eats autonomous delivery vehicle driving around Santa Monica, the US. (Credit: Getty Images)
The Transport General Authority (TGA) in Saudi Arabia and Uber Technologies have signed a strategic partnership agreement to launch autonomous vehicles in the country.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the agreement was signed under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and TGA Chairman Saleh Al Jasser.
Read-WeRide, Uber to roll out autonomous vehicles in 15 more cities
The initiative highlights ongoing efforts to adopt modern technologies and smart mobility innovations in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, a press release from the TGA stated.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by TGA Acting President Dr Rumaih bin Mohammed Al Rumaih and Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi following a meeting in Riyadh on the sidelines of the Saudi-US Investment Forum, attended by representatives from relevant government bodies.
Launch of smart transportation in Saudi
The TGA plans to launch the first autonomous vehicle rides through the Uber platform before the end of the year, in partnership with technology providers. Initially, these vehicles will include onboard drivers to ensure safety during the early stages of deployment.
Leveraging Uber’s ridesharing network, the TGA and Uber will collaborate with autonomous vehicle technology partners to expand consumer access to this emerging form of transportation.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030
This strategic partnership supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for the future of mobility, aiming to drive transformative change across the Kingdom’s economy, infrastructure, and transport sector. The integration of autonomous vehicles will complement existing infrastructure and accelerate the rollout of seamless mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike.
Dr Al Rumaih emphasised that the partnership advances national efforts to enable smart transportation technologies and achieve Vision 2030 objectives. He noted that through collaboration with Uber, the TGA aims to create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while upholding high standards of safety and service across the transport sector.
Safety: A core priority
Both the TGA and Uber reaffirmed that safety remains a top priority. Together, they will establish a robust regulatory framework to improve transportation safety and contribute to the development of smarter, safer mobility solutions for all.
