Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services recently launched the Future Mobility Sandbox initiative, marking a significant step in advancing the Kingdom’s transport sector.
The project, launched in partnership with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, will cover 1.56 square kilometers within the KAUST campus, serving as a unique platform for testing the latest innovations in land, air and sea transport.
Region’s first integrated transport testing ground
The Future Mobility Sandbox project aims to support Saudi Arabia’s priorities in the transport and logistics sector, attract global investments and innovations and lead advancements in autonomous, sustainable and smart transport solutions by providing a secure and controlled testing environment. It is also expected to create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, enhance traffic safety and reduce vehicle-related accidents.
Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser said the Future Mobility Sandbox initiative will strengthen the strategic partnership with KAUST by launching the region’s first integrated testbed for various modes of transport. Al-Jasser added that the project aims to create a unique environment for testing advanced ideas, leveraging research capabilities in data science, artificial intelligence, clean energy and autonomous systems.
It also aims to support the development of future transport solutions and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for innovation in modern and sustainable mobility, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
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Project to accelerate innovation in land, air and sea transport
The Future Mobility Sandbox project serves as a future, multimodal testing platform designed to accelerate innovation in land, air and sea transport. It will enable testing of autonomous vehicles, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drones for logistics, maritime technologies, artificial intelligence, big data and advanced propulsion systems, all within an integrated environment supporting the latest sensor, communication and safety testing systems.
On the sidelines of the launch, the two ministries also announced a collaboration under a national initiative to support infrastructure for the vehicle manufacturing, transport and logistics sectors. The initiative aims to enhance technical capabilities, localize advanced technologies, and attract high-impact investments to build a modern industry led by Saudi national talents.
The two ministries will implement the initiative in several phases, starting with the development of infrastructure and technology, followed by the attraction of key partners, with full completion expected by 2029, marking a milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward a future of transport and innovation.
