Delivery drone training takes off in Kazakhstan
1 day ago
Abdul Latif Jameel and Uber Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore building a scalable, next-generation fleet operations platform across traditional ride-hailing and autonomous mobility in Saudi Arabia, the companies announced on May 26.
Saudi Arabia is looking to lead the Middle East region in developing artificial intelligence and investment in electric vehicles (EVs) and technology.
The collaboration aims to create 30,000 earning opportunities for Saudi nationals whilst supporting the Kingdom's economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel Saudi Arabia, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi signed the agreement during the Saudi-US Investment Forum, attended by Transport and Logistic Services Minister Saleh Al-Jasser and Transport General Authority Acting President Dr Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.
The partnership will focus on accelerating urban mobility transformation across Saudi Arabia, including autonomous vehicle deployment, with Abdul Latif Jameel supporting local fleet operations alongside Uber's global technology platform.
"Our collaboration with Uber reflects a shared vision for a smarter, more accessible, and autonomous mobility future," Hassan Jameel said. "We are proud to be working with such a renowned technology leader, as we support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and position the Kingdom as a role model for the future of mobility."
Khosrowshahi said Saudi Arabia represents a hugely important market for Uber, expressing enthusiasm about advancing "a future of mobility that is electric, shared, and autonomous in the country, while advancing earning opportunities for Saudi nationals."
The MoU addresses current and future mobility needs for drivers, riders, and tourists by combining Abdul Latif Jameel's operational expertise with Uber's innovative mobility technology and global network.
Uber operates across 20 Saudi cities with more than 140,000 drivers and four million riders, making the Kingdom one of the platform's fastest-growing markets globally.
The companies said they have long-term ambitions to create cutting-edge mobility standards and develop a scalable framework for international deployment, with Saudi Arabia serving as the model.
Uber currently partners with 18 autonomous vehicle companies worldwide as it builds towards an electric, shared and autonomous transportation future.
Related Content
Tech
Delivery drone training takes off in Kazakhstan
Aviation authorities reviewing airspace and certification regulations to address growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Bulgaria opens EU’s largest battery energy storage facility
Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov says facility is “first step” towards Bulgaria's ambition of reaching 10,000 MWh of operating battery capacity.
Iran launches AI bid to close massive tech gap with Middle East regional rivals
Iran will expand its knowledge-based economy development headquarters from eight to 10 units in 2025 with the addition of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity divisions, as it pushes to catch regional rivals.
Africa sets up Cairo-based Space Agency
Africa has launched its first continent-wide space agency, headquartered in Cairo, to coordinate national space programmes and expand access to climate and weather data at a time of rising environmental vulnerability and declining foreign support.
