How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion

Special How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion
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Updated 27 February 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion

How Saudi Arabia is using advanced automated systems to tackle traffic congestion
  • SDAIA’s Sawaher is revolutionizing traffic management by harnessing data — from citywide trends down to individual streets
  • The upgrade has already cut road accident fatalities, reduced traffic, and improved the flow of vehicles during major events

RIYADH: Congestion is a major concern for residents of Saudi Arabia’s cities. Commuters in Riyadh alone lose an average of 52 hours in traffic annually, according to a 2024 estimate.

While projects like the Riyadh Metro, which opened the last of its lines in January, are doing their part to ease the flow of cars, the city’s population is still projected to grow from around 8 million today to 9.6 million in 2030, presenting further challenges.

The Saudi Data and AI Authority, in collaboration with government entities, has developed several systems that generate vast amounts of information on road traffic, ranging from a macro, citywide level to individual streets.

One of these is the Sawaher system, a national platform designed to analyze streams of images and videos using artificial intelligence and computer vision, providing real-time insights. One of its key use cases is in traffic management.

Another is the Smart C platform, which leverages data and artificial intelligence technologies to monitor, analyze, and predict operational indicators, supporting decision-making in smart city management. 

“Riyadh is becoming a very busy city, so we need to be innovative, we need to act fast,” Mohammed Al-Buqami, general manager of product development at SDAIA’s Estishraf, told Arab News. 




Mohammed Al-Buqami

The system developed by SDAIA analyzes data in detail, identifying accident hotspots and comparing seasonal fluctuations.

Areas with a high number of fatal accidents are assessed for whether or not signage or road infrastructure can be improved to cut down on collisions.

“Ramadan specifically will have different spots than any other month in the year,” Al-Buqami said, as working hours and commuting patterns shift during the holy month. 

When a recent event in Riyadh attracted a huge number of visitors, it caused a ripple effect of congestion. That is why SDAIA, in collaboration with government entities, decided to develop a new tool “to ensure that traffic at the gate does not cause congestion in the surrounding area or impact major roads,” Al-Buqami said.

Looking to the future and problems that may arise from a rising population, SDAIA is working to introduce new technologies, and recently carried out a bootcamp for budding AI experts who came up with the idea for a robot that detects cracks, potholes, and puddles on the city’s roads, as well as an automated accident response system.

While SDAIA is on the cutting edge of data analytics and automated traffic management, the Kingdom has been implementing advanced technology solutions for road safety for more than a decade. 

Saher, the automated penalty system, was developed in 2009 and launched the following year by the Ministry of Interior, using a network of cameras and radars.




The installation of Saher camera along major roads in Saudi Arabia have led to a reduction in speeding and reckless driving violations. (AN file photo)

When cameras detect a violation such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, texting while driving, or other such offenses, the system retrieves the vehicle owner’s details from the database and automatically issues a fine sent to the driver via SMS.

“The Saher system illustrates how AI and automation can revolutionize traffic enforcement and improve road safety,” Hasan Al-Ahmadi, associate professor at the Department of Civil Engineering at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, told Arab News.

Saher operates continuously, ensuring consistent enforcement of traffic laws without relying on human oversight.

DID YOU KNOW?

• By the end of 2023, Saudi Arabia had 15.1 million roadworthy vehicles — a 6.2 percent increase from 2022.

• In 2016, the country’s road traffic fatality rate was 28.8 per 100,000 people.

• Vision 2030 reforms have cut road deaths by 54 percent, dropping to 13.6 per 100,000 from 2016 to 2023.

It can identify and track road users moving through cities, automatically recognizing number plates and allowing law enforcement officers to pinpoint stolen or wanted vehicles.

Saher cameras are placed at regular intervals and their watchful eye can detect infractions as minor as changing lanes excessively or not leaving enough room between vehicles. 




Saher cameras are placed at regular intervals and their watchful eye can detect infractions as minor as changing lanes excessively or not leaving enough room between vehicles. (Supplied)

The system uses machine learning to study driver behaviors over time, identifying trends such as habitual speeding or repeated violations. Insights from this analysis are used for educational campaigns or stricter penalties for repeat offenders, said Al-Ahmadi, who has published a number of research papers on automation and road safety in Saudi Arabia.

The professor noted that a number of studies have shown decreases of up to 30 percent in speeding violations and red-light infractions since Saher was introduced. 

In Dammam, accident rates dropped by approximately 20 percent, while congestion was reduced by around 20 percent in Dammam and Jeddah. 




Congestion in Dammam's roads has been reduced by around 20 percent since the introduction of the Saher traffic monitoring system. (SPA file photo)

Meanwhile, studies also show that emergency response times improved by between 20-30 percent, Al-Ahmadi said.

In 2016, road accidents were the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia. A total of 21 people were killed in crashes every day — almost one every hour. 

These findings spurred the government into action. By 2023, fatal accidents had fallen by 54 percent.

Data and analytics were a key part of this success, with the number of road cameras increasing by 320 percent from 2016 to 2021, according to a World Health Organization report. Analyzing data from the country’s death registry also played a part.

Al-Ahmadi sees a future where even more advanced technology can play a part in making Saudi Arabia’s roads safer.




As Saudi Arabia moves towards a more sustainable society, automated systems could also monitor vehicle emissions and impose penalties in high-pollution zones, says Assistant Professor Hasan Al-Ahmadi of KFUPM's Department of Civil Engineering. (Supplied)

Drone technology could be used for real-time traffic monitoring in areas with limited camera coverage, he said. Integrating intersection management systems with self-driving vehicles could be another advanced solution.

Al-Ahmadi also suggested that monitoring technology could be upgraded to analyze drivers’ facial expressions, blink rates, and head movements to detect fatigue or distraction.

As Saudi Arabia moves towards a more sustainable society, automated systems could also monitor vehicle emissions and impose penalties in high-pollution zones, Al-Ahmadi added. 

While the Kingdom’s cities continue to grow at a rapid rate, the problem of congestion and road safety is not going anywhere. 

However, with a combination of automated technology and continuous monitoring, as well as the introduction of new infrastructure projects, officials have found early success in reducing fatalities and look poised to keep the issue at bay.

 


Madinah leads global discussion on sustainability

Madinah leads global discussion on sustainability
Updated 19 July 2025
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Madinah leads global discussion on sustainability

Madinah leads global discussion on sustainability
  • Cities are responsible for implementing 65 percent of SDGs, says Mayor Fahad Albulihshi at UN event

RIYADH: Madinah Mayor and CEO of the Madinah Region Development Authority Fahad Albulihshi inaugurated an event at the UN headquarters in New York, emphasizing the critical role of local action in achieving global sustainability goals.

The event, titled “Act Local, Accelerate Global: Advancing Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-Based Solutions for SDG Localization in the Arab Region,” was part of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

It underscored the need for inclusive, data-driven approaches to localize the Sustainable Development Goals effectively and ensure no one is left behind, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

This year’s participation reflects the Kingdom’s alignment of Vision 2030 with the global SDG framework and highlights Madinah’s efforts in localizing the SDGs and adopting the Quality of Life Index initiative.

Albulihshi noted that cities are responsible for implementing 65 percent of the SDGs, adding that the availability and quality of urban data remain major challenges. He stressed the importance of global frameworks in guiding sustainable local development.

The Madinah Region Development Authority showcased its Atlas of Sustainable Development for the city and its neighborhoods, along with a report on building a risk-resilient future — both key tools for informed sustainable development decisions.

Organized by the Madinah Region Development Authority in collaboration with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the World Council on City Data, the event brought together regional and international partners.

On the sidelines, the mayor will meet with local and regional government representatives to discuss cooperation on the UN 2030 Agenda, including governance, inclusive services, and local investment to support regional SDG progress.

The UN forum, running through to July 23, also featured dialogue sessions on global frameworks for resilient urban development and strategies to create value for cities through data-driven trends.


Training program in Asir focuses on traditional wall decoration

Training program in Asir focuses on traditional wall decoration
Updated 19 July 2025
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Training program in Asir focuses on traditional wall decoration

Training program in Asir focuses on traditional wall decoration

RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, known as Wrth, in collaboration with Soudah Development Co., has opened registration for a specialized training program on Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art.

This centuries-old art form, traditionally painted by women on the walls of homes in the Asir region, features murals with straight lines, triangles, circles, and squares.

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri gained international recognition in 2017 when it was added to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Scheduled for July 27-31 in Asir, the program lets participants explore the history and aesthetics of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, learning the traditional methods with geometric patterns and engravings inspired by the local environment.

It also offers hands-on training in creating natural colors and mastering traditional techniques, the SPA added.

The Arabic term “qatt” means lines, carvings, or cuttings, and represents the detailed interior work done by women. Colors flow gracefully from their hands in a style known as qattatah, forming patterns based on the nature of the surface.

Drawing inspiration from local culture, it showcases intricate geometric patterns reflecting the landscape and the vibrant colors of nature.

Artisans use colors derived from limestone, clays, plants, or powders, prepared with stabilizers and gloss agents. Primary red, yellow, and blue are complemented by green, orange, white, and black.


Biotech deal to enhance poultry safety, quality

Biotech deal to enhance poultry safety, quality
Updated 19 July 2025
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Biotech deal to enhance poultry safety, quality

Biotech deal to enhance poultry safety, quality

Riyadh: The National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program has partnered with global biotech firm PhageGuard and Saudi poultry producer Tanmiah Food Co. to introduce advanced solutions promoting sustainable livestock production.

The memorandum of understanding, signed in the presence of Vice Minister Mansour Al-Mushaiti, supports Saudi Arabia’s goal to improve product quality and competitiveness locally and globally.

The deal aims to enhance the quality and safety of local products by adopting innovative solutions that reduce health and environmental risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Under the MoU, PhageGuard will provide its biotechnology solutions through its local agent, Portalis Capital, to Tanmiah Food Co., which will implement and localize these technologies in the Saudi market.

The deal supports poultry sector development, boosts operational and production efficiency, and fosters a knowledge- and innovation-driven livestock industry, the SPA reported.

It focuses on bacteriophage technology as a biological alternative to traditional antibiotics, addressing concerns over antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These phages target Salmonella bacteria, helping reduce its spread, lower antibiotic use and promote safer food production.

Applying this technology will help mitigate foodborne illness risks from salmonella in poultry and eggs, enhancing product quality and safety and strengthening competitiveness in local and global markets.


Kingdom arrests 23,167 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,167 illegals in one week
Updated 19 July 2025
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Kingdom arrests 23,167 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,167 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 23,167 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 14,525 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,511 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,131 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,593 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 69 percent were Ethiopian, 30 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 41 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Saudi Arabia to support education for Yemeni children

Saudi Arabia to support education for Yemeni children
Updated 19 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia to support education for Yemeni children

Saudi Arabia to support education for Yemeni children

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a cooperation agreement to support education for children affected by conflict in the Al-Hawtah and Tuban districts of Yemen’s Lahij governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The project, in partnership with a local civil society organization, will directly benefit 6,833 people and indirectly reach 16,000 others, according to the report.

The agreement was signed via video conference by Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor-general for operations and programs.

The project will include awareness campaigns promoting education — with a particular focus on encouraging school attendance among girls; the distribution of school bags, uniforms, and hygiene kits; the provision of psychological and social support, child protection services, and referral mechanisms; teacher training for volunteers; and the provision of materials for classrooms.

Selected classrooms will also be refurbished “to improve the learning environment,” the SPA stated.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, with the aim of supporting education and protecting children in crisis areas, ensuring access to a safe and sustainable learning environment.