المملكة: Saudi Arabia launches “the land of experiments for the future of transport” with an area of ​​1.56 km² in Thu

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the “Land of Experiences Land for the Future of Transport”, the world leading platform for testing advanced transportation technologies, which extends over an area of ​​1.56 square kilometers inside the campus of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAAST) in Thi.
The project comes in partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and Caust, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, to be the first of its kind in the Middle East and the most advanced in the world.

The project provides an integrated environment for testing land, air and marine transport techniques, with the aim of developing self -transportation solutions. It is expected to attract international and emerging companies, along with government agencies, to enhance innovation and support the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.

Leaders’ statements

Engineer Saleh Al -Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, said: “This initiative will enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global center for sustainable movement, through an advanced test environment that supports innovation in transport, in line with the National Transport and Logistical Services Strategy.”

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al -Ahmari, Assistant Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources added: “The project supports the national industry strategy, and enhances the Kingdom’s role as a regional center for the automotive and advanced technology industry.”

For his part, Professor Edward Bern, President of Cost stated: “This partnership will be a catalyst for the development of innovative transport solutions, and we are proud of our role in shaping the future of mobility globally.”

Project goals and impacts

The platform allows testing techniques such as self -driving vehicles, takeoff aircraft and electric vertical landing, and marine technologies, with the support of artificial intelligence and huge data.
It also contributes to developing national cadres through Kaost Academic programs, creating job opportunities, promoting traffic safety and economic growth.

Implementation plan

The project will be implemented in stages, starting with the preparation of the infrastructure, and then attracting the partners, to be completed by 2029, to form a milestone in the march of the Kingdom towards the leadership of innovation in transportation.