New ALJ-Uber deal could advance Saudi robotaxi plans
New Uber partnership could create new Saudi 30,000 jobs
#SaudiArabia #AVs - Saudi diversified conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel and US ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies have partnered to build a scalable, next-generation fleet operations platform across traditional ride-hailing and autonomous mobility. The partnership aims to create 30,000 earning opportunities for Saudi nationals whilst building a scalable fleet operations platform that will advance the Kingdom’s driverless taxi plans. The collaboration seeks to support Saudi Vision 2030's economic diversification goals and position the Kingdom as a regional leader in autonomous mobility transformation.
SO WHAT? - This partnership could be Saudi Arabia's most significant commitment to autonomous vehicle commercialisation, leveraging Uber's global network of 18 AV technology partners to accelerate driverless taxi deployment in the Middle East's largest economy. With modern infrastructure and ambitious plans for transport sectors, Gulf states are well-positioned to become testbeds for next-generation mobility solutions such as robotaxis, air taxis and drone delivery.
Here are some key points about this announcement:
Jeddah-headquartered Abdul Latif Jameel and US ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a scalable, next-generation fleet operations platform across traditional ride-hailing and autonomous mobility.
The memorandum was signed by Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, during the Saudi-US Investment Forum. The signing was attended by Acting President of the Transport General Authority (TGA) H.E. Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.
Abdul Latif Jameel's 80-year operational expertise in mobility solutions combines with Uber's autonomous vehicle partnerships across 18 leading global technology companies.
Uber has completed over 61 billion trips globally and operates autonomous vehicle programmes across multiple international markets as part of electric, shared mobility strategy
The partnership targets creation of 30,000 earning opportunities for Saudi nationals through fleet operations, driver services, and technology support roles
Abdul Latif Jameel operates diversified businesses across mobility, energy, financial services, and healthcare sectors with established presence throughout the Middle East region
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification programme prioritises urban transformation and giga-project development requiring advanced mobility infrastructure and technology integration
ZOOM OUT - Saudi Arabia's autonomous mobility strategy gained significant momentum last month with the Transport General Authority's launch of the Future Mobility Sandbox, a 1.56 square kilometre testing platform at KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology). The Kingdom targets 15% of public transport vehicles operating autonomously by 2030, supported by smart infrastructure rollout and the new Saudi Road Code. The planning Uber partnership will no doubt support the country’s broader autonomous vehicle ecosystem.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
Read more about future mobility in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia launches Future Mobility Sandbox at KAUST (Middle East AI News)
Saudi Arabia's eVTOL future (Middle East AI News)
Saudi Arabia EV production plans (Middle East AI News)
KAUST's trials autonomous delivery (Middle East AI News)