Saudi Arabia launches Future Mobility Sandbox at KAUST
New platform to test autonomous, air, sea, and land transport
#SaudiArabia #AVs – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, has launched the Future Mobility Sandbox, the most advanced transport testing platform in the region. Spanning 1.56 square kilometres within the KAUST campus, the initiative will serve as a secure, integrated environment to trial cutting-edge innovations across land, air, and sea transport, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global centre for sustainable, smart mobility.
SO WHAT? – The Future Mobility Sandbox aims to link Saudi Arabia’s research efforts with industrial innovation and future transport needs. The sandbox projects aligns with the Kingdom’s push to diversify its economy under Vision 2030 and National Transport and Logistics Strategy. Saudi Arabia plans to have 15 percent of public transport vehicles operating autonomously by 2030.
Here are some key points from the announcement:
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, have launched the Future Mobility Sandbox.
Covering 1.56 square kilometres at KAUST, the sandbox offers a controlled environment for next-gen transport testing and aims to be the most advanced transport testing platform in the region.
The platform enables trials for autonomous vehicles, eVTOL aircraft, drones for logistics, maritime technologies, and advanced propulsion systems.
It integrates AI, big data, clean energy, and advanced communication systems into a single multimodal testbed.
The Sandbox supports Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aiming to boost traffic safety, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
A new national initiative will localise advanced vehicle and transport technologies and build infrastructure to support the manufacturing sector.
Development will be completed in phases, culminating in full operational capacity by 2029.
The project will attract global investments and partners, advancing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to be a leader in future mobility.
The initiative strengthens the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services and KAUST.
It is designed to accelerate innovation across land, air, and sea transport modes in a real-world, safe testing environment.
The Future Mobility Sandbox reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of diversifying its economy and advancing sustainable technology industries.
ZOOM OUT – Saudi Arabia’s launch of the Future Mobility Sandbox part of its broader strategy to transform its transport sector with autonomous technologies. The Kingdom aims for 15% of public transport vehicles to operate autonomously by 2030, supported by the rollout of smart infrastructure, the new Saudi Road Code, and major investments in automotive manufacturing. While challenges like EV adoption remain, initiatives such as the Sandbox aim to fast-track innovation, create a safer mobility ecosystem, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a regional leader in autonomous, sustainable transport.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]