In a sweeping move to revolutionize its transportation and logistics sector, Saudi Arabia is embracing technological advancements and artificial intelligence, asserted Saleh Al-Jasser, the Kingdom’s Minister of Transport and Logistics. The minister’s statements came during his address at the fifth Smart Transport, Infrastructure, and Logistics Exhibition and Conference for the Middle East and Africa held in Cairo.
Minister Al-Jasser emphasized the significant strides Saudi Arabia is undertaking to enhance performance efficiency, support sustainable development, and bolster the economy through a series of structural reforms and institutional transformations. Central to this transformative agenda is the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which envisages Saudi Arabia becoming a global logistics hub that contributes to economic diversification while improving the living standards within its cities.
The National Transport and Logistics Strategy, as explained by Al-Jasser, aims ambitiously to double the sector’s GDP contribution and place Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index. Integral to this strategy is the increase in public transportation usage, exceeding 15 percent of total travel, and the reduction of carbon emissions by 2 percent per capita annually.
Al-Jasser highlighted ambitious targets such as expanding airport capacity to accommodate over 330 million passengers yearly, boosting port capacity for 40 million containers, and elevating safety in transportation modalities. Achieving these objectives, he noted, hinges on integrating modern technologies, switching to alternative fuels, adopting eco-friendly vehicles, and promoting shared transportation modes.
The Kingdom is also progressing towards integrating autonomous mobility technologies into its transport framework. Pioneering projects like NEOM and Red Sea Global are being developed with sustainable and automated transportation solutions in mind, including innovative options like air taxis, volocopters, and autonomous pods for personal and goods transit.
Supporting these futuristic endeavors, The Helicopter Co., backed by the Public Investment Fund, is establishing a comprehensive rotorcraft industry, offering services ranging from construction to filmography and private charters.
The conference, inaugurated by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, welcomed transport ministers from across the Arab world and featured over 300 specialized transport companies from approximately 50 countries, marking a milestone gathering for regional transportation dialogue and collaboration.
