Saudi Arabia Unveils ‘Future Mobility Sandbox,’ Most Advanced Transport Testing Platform

Jeddah, April 29, 2025, SPA -- The Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, launched the "Future Mobility Sandbox" initiative.
   The project, covering 1.56 square kilometers within the KAUST campus, marks a significant step in advancing Saudi Arabia's transport sector with global impact. It serves as a unique platform for testing the latest innovations in land, air, and sea transport.
   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 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 affirmed that this ambitious initiative will strengthen the strategic partnership with KAUST by launching the region’s first integrated testbed for various modes of transport.
   The minister said it aims to create a unique environment for testing advanced ideas, leveraging research capabilities in data science, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and autonomous systems.
   It 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, he said.
   The 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 launching the project, the two ministries announced 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.
   It will be implemented 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.
   -- SPA