KAUST and SkyGrid are partnering to advance next-generation Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies and operations in Saudi Arabia. They will establish a framework to explore AAM technology, strengthen regulatory readiness, and accelerate Saudi Arabia’s innovation capacity in advanced aviation. Key areas of collaboration include developing an air-side AAM sandbox, flight demonstrations, and R&D in areas like airspace efficiency and UTM automation. Why it matters: This partnership helps position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility and unlock new economic opportunities in the Kingdom.
The UAE has begun mapping air corridors and developing regulations for air taxis and cargo drones, aiming to transform urban transportation. The GCAA and ATRC entities (TII and ASPIRE) are collaborating to define aerial corridors within 20 months. These routes will connect key airports and locations, integrating piloted and autonomous vehicles. Why it matters: The initiative positions the UAE as a leader in advanced air mobility, potentially easing congestion and setting a global benchmark for future urban mobility.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services (MOTLS) and KAUST, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, are launching the Future Mobility Sandbox, a 1.56 square kilometer testbed on the KAUST campus. It will enable testing of air, land, and sea transport innovations. The initiative aims to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions. Why it matters: The sandbox will foster innovation in autonomous, sustainable, and connected transport, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for advanced mobility technology and attracting global investment.
KAUST researchers propose using tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) with cellphone antennas to address public concerns about EMF exposure from mobile networks. The TUAVs would receive signals, reducing users' uplink exposure and employing low power 'green antennas' that do not radiate EMF. A network of ground stations would provide power and broadband data links to the TUAVs. Why it matters: The system could allow the development of 6G mobile systems to continue while decreasing EMF exposure, and the team has already applied for a U.S. patent for their proposal, indicating significant commercial potential.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE, in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), are developing an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) regulatory framework. TII is spearheading simulation-based regulatory models for airspace corridors, focusing on wind dynamics and flight safety, with trials underway at three pilot sites in Abu Dhabi. These efforts are laying the groundwork for the safe and scalable integration of autonomous air taxis and delivery drones. Why it matters: This initiative positions the UAE as a global leader in defining the technical and regulatory standards for urban air mobility, fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) has partnered with Purdue University on a three-year cybersecurity project focused on ensuring the safe and efficient use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in urban environments. The collaboration will study security and resilience in cyber-physical and autonomous systems, addressing vulnerabilities in communication, navigation, and command and control. The project includes four phases: modeling and analysis of UAS security, developing algorithms for high-assurance autonomy, constructing an experimental environment, and testing mitigation strategies. Why it matters: The partnership enhances the UAE's capabilities in securing critical digital systems and fosters the growth of commercial autonomous drones and robots, opening new opportunities for enterprises.