The first self-driving electric vehicle in Saudi Arabia, known as "Dhahaina" or "Smart," has begun its trial phase at the Riyadh Business Front, according to the country's Ministry of Transport and Logistics. The launch ceremony is the first stage in creating autonomous vehicle (AV) legislation, guidelines, and enabling frameworks, and attempts to raise public understanding and acceptance of AV technology.
On April 3, the new Navya Riyadh autonomous shuttles were introduced. Navya is the name of the first electric and autonomous French shuttle in the Saudi capital. Ludovic Pouille, the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, posted a video of the white and green shuttle bus in motion.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, officially launched the "experiment for a self-driving car, as part of the Ministry's role to enable and adopt modern transportation systems."
The French Ministry of Transport in Paris and the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services in Saudi Arabia reached an agreement that included the development of the Navya Riyadh self-driving shuttles. The AV provide efficient and sustainable modes of transportation.
The technologically advanced electric shuttles include 11 seats and four standing spots, and they can accommodate up to 15 passengers. The shuttles operated by Navya Riyadh are powered by electricity and can run for an average of nine hours before requiring another charge.
Through its push to adopt innovative transportation techniques, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics seeks to enable current technology in all transport sectors. Through collaborations with universities and educational institutions, they intend to build appropriate legal frameworks, carry out staged experiments, empower the private sector, draw investors, and improve the technical competence of the workforce.
The Riyadh Buses, a new mode of transportation, were also recently introduced in the Saudi capital. Over 340 of the new buses are running throughout 633 stations. Using the Riyadh Bus Darb Card and app, moving about has been made simple. Moreover, construction is now being done on the Riyadh Metro. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is receiving a brand-new national airline, Riyadh Air, and Saudia began flying to Gatwick Airport while also adding 24 additional destinations.
