Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has signed ‘360 Mobility’ plan services contract with France’s RATP Dev, which marks a new step towards a sustainable and smart public mobility network in Saudi AlUla.
Through this contract, RATP Dev will support RCU in developing the plans, policies, governance, and infrastructure, as well as the transportation assets, of AlUla’s mobility network for residents and visitors.
This agreement will support the definition and implementation of a comprehensive mobility strategy in AlUla, home of Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The new deal follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2021 by RCU and RATP Dev. It entails close and active cooperation in shaping a future of mobility in Saudi AlUla that reflects Vision 2030.
On the occasion of the visit of the French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Attractiveness, and French Nationals Abroad, Mr. Olivier Becht, in Saudi Arabia, in coordination with Afalula, and in the presence of the French Ambassador Mr. Ludovic Pouille, RATP Dev signed a ‘360 Mobility’ services contract with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in the presence of its CEO Eng. Amr AlMadani.
Supporting Saudi AlUla’s development plans
The sustainable and smart public mobility network will support the development of the plans and policies by RCU.
- The experiential tram project, which will connect Hegra to AlUla central (Hijaz historical railway station) and will be the backbone of public mobility
- A full fleet of electric buses (about 200 vehicles) to serve both residents, locals, and visitors
- Autonomous pods for first- and last-miles connection and heritage sites
- Soft mobility modes such as e-bikes and e-scooters
- Mobility as a Service (MaaS) application and tariffs.
Commenting on the deal, Moataz Kurdi, chief county operations officer at RCU said: “RCU is responsibly and sustainably regenerating the cultural and natural landscape of AlUla, enhancing the quality of life and creating a global, sustainable destination that is empathetic to the environment, history, culture and people of Saudi AlUla. This new agreement with RATP Dev serves those goals by protecting our past, safeguarding our present, and securing our future.”
Meanwhile, Abdeljabbar Ben Salem, senior VP – the Middle East and North Africa Business Unit, RATP Dev said: “With the 360 Mobility plan, we are honored with the trust of RCU and fully mobilized to pursue this long-term partnership. Earlier this year, on behalf of the Royal Commission for AlUla, we launched the autonomous POD vehicles service in Saudi AlUla’s Old Town serving visitors and residents. A service that has already contributed to the local community by providing job opportunities for the locals, with young Saudis trained to become certified autonomous vehicle safety operators.”
RATP Dev will aim to make AlUla a destination of choice and a flagship of reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly transportation by drawing on the experience of its parent company RATP Group and working alongside the Royal Commission for AlUla. The network will connect the present to AlUla’s rich past, providing visitors and residents with a memorable experience.