Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser launched a trial of autonomous vehicles in Riyadh on Wednesday. 

It marks a major step toward enabling advanced technology and developing a smart and safe transportation ecosystem in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 goals by adopting sustainable mobility solutions powered by artificial intelligence.

In this phase, autonomous vehicles will operate in real-world conditions, covering King Khalid International Airport and key locations across Riyadh, including major highways and selected city-center destinations. 

The Transport General Authority is supervising the project. During this stage, vehicles will carry passengers with a safety officer onboard to monitor systems.

Al-Jasser said the launch reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to build a smart, integrated transport system that supports economic growth and improves quality of life.

He added that enabling modern technologies and developing regulatory and operational frameworks are essential to transforming the transport sector. 

The project stems from a partnership between the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.

Other key participants include the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, along with private-sector partners Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver. 

Al-Jasser emphasized said the project showcases pioneering public-private partnerships, paving the way for safer and smarter mobility.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ministries of culture and education have launched an Arts and Culture Academy, the first government-run school of its kind in the Kingdom. 

The initiative aims to identify and develop talented young people, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. 

In its inaugural year, the academy will operate in Riyadh and Jeddah, admitting students in the fourth grade of primary school and first grade of intermediate school.

The academy combines accredited academic curricula with specialized cultural programs in a stimulating and enriching learning environment, the SPA added. 

Initially, it will target students with talent in drawing, acting, music and singing. The plan is to expand to all educational levels and regions of the Kingdom. 

Students will follow the standard Ministry of Education curriculum alongside intensive cultural programs in a balanced daily schedule. 

The school day is divided into two sessions: morning for academic work and afternoon for cultural activities, according to the SPA. 

The academy will open in the 2025/2026 academic year at Al-Nakheel district in Riyadh for boys, and Al-Sheraa district in Jeddah for girls.

Admission has three stages: online registration, performance evaluation and interview, and admission notification. Students are admitted based on seat availability.

Students can apply at: engage.moc.gov.sa/cultural-talents-schools/#faq.