Latest news with #SalehAlJasser
FACT
2 days ago
- Automotive
- FACT
Robotaxi: Driverless vehicles launch in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has created its first autonomous Robotaxi service. Developed by Chinese tech firm WeRide, in partnership with Uber and local collaborator AiDriver, a pilot fleet of Robotaxis has launched in Riyadh. The driverless vehicles are now operating on key routes across the capital, including locations such as King Khalid International Airport, major highways, and city centre areas. This is part of a pilot programme set to expand into full commercial service by the end of 2025. Transport Minister Saleh Al Jasser hailed the rollout as a demonstration of the Kingdom's strategic investment in next-generation mobility services. With AI-powered decision-making tools and real-time navigation systems, the Robotaxi offers a seamless, safe, and intelligent travel experience across the city. The Robotaxi service will feature designated pick-up and drop-off stations. The result is a convenient route for passengers to travel to and from the airport. These services will also cater to students and staff at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University. The aim is to enhance transport efficiency, sustainability, and safety across Riyadh's urban networks. Expansion plans include a commercial launch expected by late 2025, with full-scale service available through the Uber platform. Robotaxis are also expected to help ease traffic congestion in Riyadh. This strategic plan supports the diversification of the Kingdom's economy and the reduction of reliance on oil. By introducing AI-powered and autonomous vehicles, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a centre of advanced technology and smart infrastructure. Go: Visit for more information.
ArabGT
4 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
From Riyadh to Beijing The Five Biggest Automotive Headlines of the Week
We're back with our weekly roundup of the most impactful developments across the automotive industry—from cutting-edge launches and exclusive test drives to major strategic moves shaping the future of mobility. This week, Riyadh marks a historic milestone in smart transport, Xiaomi makes a bold debut in the EV segment, and global headlines swirl around Tesla, Bentley, and a politically charged trade deal. Here's what you need to know. Saudi Arabia Launches Pilot Program for Self-Driving Taxis In a regional first, Saudi Arabia's General Transport Authority has launched a pilot phase for autonomous taxis in Riyadh, with the participation of the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser. The 12-month trial includes 13 electric charging stations spread across seven strategic locations in the capital. While the vehicles operate autonomously, safety drivers are present during the initial phase. With a top speed of 100 km/h, the initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's strategic push toward innovative, sustainable mobility solutions. Xiaomi Enters the EV Arena with a Powerful Debut Drive of the YU7 Arab GT was granted exclusive access to test the all-new Xiaomi YU7, the luxury electric SUV that marks the tech giant's ambitious leap into the automotive world. Our colleague Ahmed Abu Jameel tested the 'Max' variant—the most powerful version—equipped with dual electric motors delivering a combined output of 673 horsepower and 866 Nm of torque. The YU7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.23 seconds. With such performance and refinement, Xiaomi signals it's not here to experiment—it's here to compete. Tesla's 'New' Affordable Car Is Just a Cheaper Model Y After months of speculation, Tesla has confirmed that its anticipated affordable EV isn't an all-new model but a lower-priced version of the existing Model Y. During the Q2 earnings call, CEO Elon Musk stated, 'It's simply the Model Y,' reaffirming the company's current focus on optimizing existing platforms instead of introducing new nameplates. While this strategy could offer short-term relief amid slowing sales, it raises critical questions about whether pricing alone can fuel Tesla's long-term growth. Trump-Japan Trade Deal Sparks Outrage in the U.S. Auto Industry A new trade agreement between former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and Japan has drawn sharp criticism from American automakers—especially the Detroit Big Three. The deal imposes a 15% tariff on Japanese cars and parts, while U.S. brands manufacturing abroad continue to face tariffs of up to 25%. Beyond the numbers, the deal reignites the debate between protectionism and free-market competition, potentially disrupting global supply dynamics. Bentley Bentayga Speed Tested by Arab GT's Mousub Shashaa In a rare and exclusive drive, Arab GT founder Mousub Shashaa got behind the wheel of the latest Bentley Bentayga Speed—the most powerful version of the British marque's top-selling SUV. While the model has moved away from the iconic W12 engine, it's now bolder than ever. A key highlight is the Akrapovič titanium exhaust system, which adds an exhilarating acoustic edge to the driving experience. It's a clear example of Bentley's unmatched ability to merge ultra-luxury with uncompromising performance.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi transport minister tours Hail International Airport
HAIL: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser conducted an inspection tour of Hail International Airport alongside his accompanying delegation. During the visit, the minister was briefed on details regarding passenger services and the airport's strategic vision for upcoming projects and destination expansions. Al-Jasser toured various airport terminals and operational areas, monitored workflow processes, evaluated operational preparedness and examined work protocols. He also reviewed passenger amenities and services available throughout the airport complex. The minister highlighted the importance of efforts to position Hail as a comprehensive logistics center that links northern Saudi Arabia with the Kingdom's central and western areas.
Arabian Business
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia launches first phase of autonomous vehicles operations in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia launched the initial operational phase of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh, a significant step aimed at enabling advanced technology and expanding the development of a smart and safe transportation ecosystem in the country. In the first phase, autonomous vehicles will operate within a real-world environment covering King Khalid International Airport and several key locations across Riyadh, including major highways and selected city centre destinations. جانب من تدشين المرحلة التطبيقية الأولية للمركبات ذاتية القيادة في المملكة. #مسارات_مستقبلية #وزارة_النقل_والخدمات_اللوجستية — وزارة النقل والخدمات اللوجستية (@SaudiTransport) July 23, 2025 These vehicles will transport passengers with a safety officer onboard each vehicle to ensure safety and monitor the performance of smart systems in actual operating conditions. It is being implemented under the direct regulatory and technical supervision of the Transport General Authority. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of the Transport General Authority said the launch of this initial operational phase reflects the Kingdom's ambitious vision to build a smart and integrated transport system that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life. Al-Jasser added that enabling modern technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks are key pillars to expanding the implementation of this technology. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and is an extension of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to adopt sustainable mobility solutions powered by the latest artificial intelligence technologies. The project is the result of a partnership that brings together the transport and logistics ecosystem and relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ecosystem, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation. Technology and operations partners, including Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver represent private sector partners in this phase. Mohamed Jardaneh, Head of Autonomous Mobility Middle East at Uber, said: 'Today, we're proud to mark a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to helping drive the future of mobility in the Kingdom. 'Our partnership with the Transport General Authority, alongside our technology partner WeRide, on this pilot, is an important first step toward making autonomous vehicles a reality in one of the most promising countries globally for AV adoption.'
Khaleej Times
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Saudi starts testing driverless vehicles in Riyadh
As the Gulf region accelerates its shift toward smart and sustainable transportation, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, July 23, launched the pilot phase of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh. In the initial phase, these driveless vehicles, which can reach a maximum speed of 100kmph, will operate in seven locations in the Kingdom's capital, including the King Khalid International Airport. There will be 13 designated pick-up and drop-off points. During the pilot phase, the vehicles will transport passengers with a safety officer on board each vehicle to ensure safety and monitor the performance of the smart systems in real-world conditions. The pilot phase will be for 12 months. According to Saudi's Transport General Authority (TGA), The project is the result of a comprehensive partnership between the Kingdom's transport and logistics system and key government and private sector entities. Watch the video below: برعاÙ�Ø© Ù�عاÙ�Ù� Ù�زÙ�ر اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù� Ù�اÙ�خدÙ�اذ اÙ�Ù�Ù�جسذÙ�Ø© @SalehAlJasser اÙ�Ù�Ù�ئة اÙ�عاÙ�Ø© Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù� ذطÙ�Ù� اÙ�Ù�رØÙ�Ø© اÙ�ذطبÙ�Ù�Ù�Ø© اÙ�Ø£Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© Ù�Ù�Ù�رÙ�باذ ذاذÙ�Ø© اÙ�Ù�Ù�ادة Under the patronage of H.E. @SalehAlJasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services TGA launches the initial operational phase of autonomousâ�¦ — اÙ�Ù�Ù�ئة اÙ�عاÙ�Ø© Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù� | TGA (@Saudi_TGA) July 23, 2025 These include the Ministry of Interior, the Digital Economy, Space, and Innovation System, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organisation.
