Saudi Arabia's Transport Embraces AI To Spearhead Global Transformation

By Adeyemi Adekunle

In a keynote address at this year fifth Smart Transport, Infrastructure, and Logistics Exhibition and Conference for the Middle East and Africa, Saleh Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, unveiled Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in revolutionizing the global and regional transport and logistics sector through the adoption of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

The ambitious technological evolution is not only designed to enhance performance efficiency but also to catalyze sustainable development and bolster national economies, as stated by Al-Jasser. He underscored that the dynamic nature of this vital industry necessitates a comprehensive package of structural reforms and institutional transformations to keep pace with the rapid changes in the field.

Al-Jasser shed light on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic blueprint that envisions the nation as a global logistics hub, fostering economic diversification and elevating the quality of life in Saudi cities. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported his comments, highlighting the broader goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to double the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and propel the Kingdom into the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index.

Furthermore, the strategy aims to increase the share of public transportation to more than 15% of total trips while reducing carbon emissions from the sector by 2% per capita annually. Al-Jasser revealed that the strategy sets ambitious targets for enhancing airport and port capacities, with a vision to accommodate over 330 million passengers and handle 40 million containers annually. Safety in transportation methods is also a priority.

Al-Jasser emphasized the indispensable role of modern technology, alternative fuels, environmentally friendly vehicles, and shared transportation in achieving these objectives. Saudi Arabia is now embracing autonomous mobility technology, a move that is poised to reshape the transportation landscape.

The Kingdom’s forward-looking projects, such as the NEOM urban area and Red Sea Global, are being conceptualized with sustainable transportation systems at their core. These ventures will offer innovative autonomous mobility solutions, including air taxis, volocopters, and autonomous pods for both passenger and freight transportation.

Notably, The Helicopter Co., backed by the Public Investment Fund, has undertaken groundbreaking initiatives, establishing a comprehensive rotor ecosystem that encompasses construction, filmography, surveying, and private charters.

The fifth Smart Transport, Infrastructure, and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, inaugurated by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, witnessed the participation of transport ministers from various Arab nations and hosted representatives from 300 specialized transport companies hailing from 50 different countries. Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in the transformation of the transport and logistics sector, driven by technology and AI, has been a focal point of discussion at this influential gathering.