TEAM NAVER announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) to develop a smart transportation system in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to create a modern transportation framework in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, leveraging TEAM NAVER’s advanced technologies, such as cloud computing, AI, vision technology, and digital twins.
SAPTCO, through its subsidiary Digital Mobility Solutions (DMS), operates approximately 8,000 buses, including long-distance buses and various other vehicles across the country.
The partnership intends to improve transportation infrastructure effectively by creating a digital twin-based HD map (a high-precision map for vehicles) and a simulation environment for traffic scenarios. This effort is crucial in light of Saudi Arabia’s recent spike in infrastructure and residential development, which has increased urban traffic congestion. The MOU emphasizes the importance of using digital twin simulations for informed and efficient decision-making, highlighting its role in mitigating these challenges.
The two companies are also exploring the possibility of establishing a dedicated sovereign cloud for SAPTCO’s Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and the implementation of AI-enhanced smart CCTV systems. These discussions include the potential use of NAVER’s CLOVA Vision technology for facial recognition to identify passengers and drivers for fare payment purposes.
The agreement signing ceremony, held at SAPTCO’s headquarters, was attended by key executives from both entities, including Khalid Alhogail, CEO of SAPTCO; Ahmed Al Johani, CEO of DMS; Chae Seon-ju, President of NAVER’s ESG and External Policy; and Seok Sang-ok, CEO of NAVER LABS.
Khalid Alhogail, CEO of SAPTCO, stated, “SAPTCO’s goal is to utilize our varied transportation modes, from buses to autonomous vehicles, to develop smart transportation systems and services, thereby contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 in collaboration with TEAM NAVER. This partnership signifies an exciting progression in the realm of smart mobility and AI technology in Saudi.”
Chae Seon-ju, President of NAVER’s ESG and External Policy, remarked, “With our extensive technological portfolio, including cloud infrastructure, digital twins, AI, and more, NAVER is ideally positioned to support SAPTCO’s digital transformation ambitions using advanced technology. In partnership with multiple Saudi entities, we are dedicated to spearheading the digital transformation in Saudi Arabia.”
