Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Future Mobility Sandbox, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating innovation in autonomous and sustainable transport. Developed through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology), and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the project is set to position the Kingdom as a global hub for next-generation mobility.
What is the Future Mobility Sandbox?
Located on a 1.56 square kilometre site within the KAUST campus, the Future Mobility Sandbox is the most advanced transport testing platform in the region. It provides a controlled and secure environment to trial new technologies across land, air, and sea, helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world innovation.
Key Features of the Sandbox
The Sandbox is designed to support testing and development of a wide range of cutting-edge mobility technologies, including:
- âś… Autonomous vehicles (AVs)
- âś… Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft
- âś… Drones for logistics and delivery
- âś… Advanced maritime transport systems
- âś… Next-gen propulsion systems
It also integrates technologies such as:
- âś… Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- âś… Big Data analytics
- âś… Clean energy solutions
- âś… Smart communication networks
Why It Matters
The Sandbox is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. Its main goals include:
- âś… Creating high-skilled jobs
- âś… Boosting traffic safety
- âś… Driving economic diversification
- âś… Attracting global partnerships and investment
Saudi Arabia aims to have 15% of its public transport vehicles operating autonomously by 2030. The Sandbox is a key step in achieving that, providing the infrastructure and ecosystem needed for rapid innovation and real-world testing.
Phased Development & Long-Term Impact
The project will be developed in multiple phases, with full operational capability expected by 2029. Over time, it will become a national centre for the localisation of advanced vehicle technologies, helping to support Saudi Arabia’s growing automotive manufacturing sector.
The initiative also cements the long-standing collaboration between KAUST and the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, blending academic research with industry-scale development.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mobility in Saudi Arabia
The launch of the Sandbox is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Alongside this project, Saudi Arabia is rolling out:
- âś… A new Saudi Road Code
- âś… Smart infrastructure to support AVs
- âś… Major investments in EVs and autonomous tech
- âś… Partnerships with global leaders in mobility
Despite challenges like slow EV adoption, the Kingdom is determined to lead the regional shift towards clean, smart, and autonomous mobility.
Bottom Line
The Future Mobility Sandbox isn’t just a test site — it’s a bold step towards a smarter, safer, and more sustainable transport ecosystem. By bringing together research, regulation, and real-world innovation, Saudi Arabia is putting itself on the map as a future-forward mobility leader.