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RIYADH: More than 1,000 commuters have used self-driving cars in Riyadh since the pilot service was introduced at the Roshn Front shopping mall and Princess Noura University in July.

The initial phase is being run in a partnership between ����ֱ��’s Transport General Authority, Uber and WeRide.

There are plans to expand the program with additional routes across Riyadh, growing the fleet to more than 20 autonomous vehicles by the end of the year, the TGA said in a statement.

Government entities partnering in the expansion plans include the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality organization.

Members of the public are invited to request a ride in an autonomous vehicle through the Uber application.

The TGA said that it oversees all technical aspects of the program, with safety officers deployed in every vehicle to maintain standards and monitor the autonomous systems.

The authority added that the program aligns with Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

Also in July, a project began to carry out autonomous food deliveries at Roshn Front.

A partnership between housing developer Roshn Group and delivery app Jahez, the service aims to reduce delivery times in addition to cutting carbon emissions, and is also licensed by the TGA.

RIYADH: Boulevard World has opened a new aquatic attraction, “Amazonia Awakens,” as a part of Riyadh Season 2025, offering a mix of adventure, fantasy, and stunning visual effects.

The storytelling is inspired by the mystique of tropical rainforests, offering an interactive journey through a vividly designed, Amazon-inspired, immersive world, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.

The adventure begins aboard a boat gliding through ancient ruins and a dark tunnel filled with dramatic sound, light, and interactive effects.

It builds up to a heart-pounding moment where the boat plunges 20 meters down, crowned by a massive wave.

Lasting about 10 minutes, “Amazonia Awakens” delivers a captivating fusion suitable for families and adventure seekers.

Amazonia is one of the latest offerings of Boulevard World, a venue for Riyadh Season, which opened on Oct. 10 and runs until May 2, 2026.

There are other festivals held elsewhere in the Kingdom throughout the year to boost tourism, one of the key programs of Saudi Vision 2030.

During a pre-opening announcement on Oct. 6, ����ֱ��’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh reported that Riyadh Season has already attracted 20 million visitors from 135 countries.

Riyadh Season’s other key venues include Boulevard City, the Kingdom and ANB arenas, Dunes of Arabia, and Riyadh Zoo.