Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Front End, a leading provider of smart solutions in Saudi Arabia, successfully conducted the first unmanned air taxi trial in Mecca, in partnership with EHang, the world’s leading urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company.

In a statement, Front End revealed that this achievement came as part of its commitment to bringing the latest technology to Saudi Arabia, along with EHang’s guidance in the adoption of urban air mobility.

The air taxi service was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, and the Ministry of Interior to ensure a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj.

Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO of Front End Limited Company, said: “Front End is at the forefront of this trailblazing trial, paving the way to a new era in smart mobility solutions, potentially revolutionizing Hajj transportation.”

He noted that this achievement is a testament to the power of government-private partnerships in accelerating new technology adoption.

For his part, Huazhi Hu, Founder and CEO of EHang, commented: “This debut flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in EHang's ongoing internationalization and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform, showcasing the potential of our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions for widespread adoption in the Middle Eastern market.”

Moreover, the air taxi service will offer a cost-effective solution for urban transportation, tackling congestion while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s goals for a sustainable future.