His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Transport General Authority, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, inaugurated today in Riyadh the Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles. This milestone marks a significant step aimed at enabling advanced technology and expanding the development of a smart and safe transportation ecosystem in the Kingdom. The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and is an extension of Saudi Vision 2030 towards adopting sustainable mobility solutions powered by the latest artificial intelligence technologies. This project is the result of an integrated 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 Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), in addition to private sector partners represented by technology and operations partners Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver. The autonomous vehicles in this phase will operate within a real-world environment covering King Khalid International Airport and several key locations across Riyadh, including major highways and selected city center destinations. This phase is implemented under the direct regulatory and technical supervision of the Transport General Authority. The vehicles will transport passengers during this phase with a safety officer onboard each vehicle to ensure safety and monitor the performance of smart systems in actual operating conditions. H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser affirmed that 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. He emphasized that enabling modern technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks are key pillars to expanding the implementation of this technology and supporting the transformation of the transport sector. This initiative is also an extension of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote sustainability, improve mobility efficiency, and localize innovation. He stressed that this project represents a leading model of public-private partnership towards a future of safer and smarter mobility.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Transport General Authority (TGA), has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to implement two pioneering international projects: "GloNoise," which aims to reduce underwater noise pollution, and "NextWave Seafarers," which focuses on preparing the next generation of maritime professionals. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s continued efforts to support international maritime initiatives that enhance the environmental and human sustainability of the sector.

The agreement was signed by Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Al-Junaidi, the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, and Dr. Jose Matheickal, Director of the Technical Cooperation Implementation Division at the IMO.

The "GloNoise" project contributes to minimizing the environmental impact of underwater radiated noise, helping protect marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, the "NextWave Seafarers" project addresses the shortage of qualified maritime personnel by training 20 male and female trainees from developing countries, equipping them for careers in the maritime industry. The project also supports women's empowerment and promotes equal opportunities in this vital sector.

This agreement embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to its leading role in the maritime transport industry and its dedication to promoting environmental sustainability and human capital development on a global scale. It aligns with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s active presence in the international maritime arena

Jeddah, September 03, 2025, SPA -- Under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser, the 2nd Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference 2025 kicked off today at the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah. The event brought together ministers of transport and logistics services, ambassadors, international experts, and leaders of global maritime organizations.
In his opening address, Al-Jasser stressed that the Kingdom, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, continues to strengthen its leadership in the maritime transport industry. Guided by Saudi Vision 2030, he said, sustainability has become a central pillar of the Kingdom’s strategic projects. He added that hosting this international conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and building strategic partnerships with global maritime organizations.
Al-Jasser highlighted the progress of the Saudi maritime transport sector in recent years, attributing it to the support of the leadership, the development of port infrastructure, improved service quality, and increased competitiveness in line with global economic transformations.
The conference, organized as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to build global partnerships and adopt innovative technical and financial solutions, aims to promote a more efficient and sustainable maritime industry. Its activities will continue tomorrow with dialogue sessions and workshops focusing on digitization, cybersecurity, and the role of human capital in shaping the future of the sector.