Saudi Arabia Embraces Flying Taxis and AI-Driven Mobility at LEAP 2025

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in future mobility, with industry experts at the LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh highlighting advancements in flying taxis, autonomous vehicles, and AI-powered transportation systems.

One of the key innovators in this space is FlyNow, a developer of electric aviation solutions, which is preparing to introduce a modular system of electric helicopters for both passenger and cargo transport.

“Mobility is directly linked to economic growth,” said Yvonne Winter, co-founder and COO of FlyNow, during a panel discussion. “To tackle urban congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution, air transportation is the way forward.”

Winter described this emerging sector as the “low-altitude economy,” emphasizing the need for collaboration to unlock its full potential. However, she acknowledged that global regulators face challenges due to the lack of a structured framework for implementation. FlyNow has developed a step-by-step approach that ensures safety while allowing gradual adoption.

As part of this strategy, a regulatory sandbox has been created to validate vehicles, air traffic management systems, and operational processes. Initial trials will focus on cargo transport over low-population areas before expanding to urban passenger services. Winter added that e-helicopters will reduce waiting times and be both affordable and accessible to the public.

Saudi Arabia’s Mobility Push

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to transportation innovation extends beyond aviation. Ayman Mesfer, general manager of the Intelligence and Future Sector at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, outlined plans to integrate AI and data-driven solutions across land, sea, and air mobility.

The ministry is launching an incubator to provide financial and advisory support to startups developing mobility technologies. “We will examine major new technologies from all angles, including AI applications, data utilization, infrastructure, and workforce development,” Mesfer explained.

Meanwhile, the Transport General Authority is spearheading the Future Mobility Program, a collaborative initiative involving 12 public and private sector stakeholders. The program aims to identify gaps in the country’s transportation systems and implement AI-powered solutions.

AI-Powered Pollution and Traffic Management

AI is playing a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s smart mobility strategy, with initiatives focused on traffic forecasting, pollution tracking, and sustainability impact assessments.

Libelium, a global technology company specializing in AI-driven data solutions, is working with Saudi stakeholders such as Aramco, Johns Hopkins, and NEOM to optimize parking and monitor pollution.

“We are using AI to track pollution sources, assess sustainability impact, and analyze crowd movements,” said Libelium’s spokesperson Jara. The technology incorporates real-time and predictive data, helping cities like Amsterdam, Helsinki, and Paris improve traffic management and air quality.

In Saudi Arabia, Libelium is conducting a proof-of-concept project with Riyadh municipality to measure the metro system’s impact on reducing traffic-related pollution.

As the kingdom moves forward with its Vision 2030 strategy, the integration of AI, flying taxis, and autonomous mobility solutions could revolutionize transportation, making it more efficient, sustainable, and accessible to all.