#Saudi Arabia #KAUST #Thuwal #SkyGrid #Advanced Air Mobility

Promoting A New Era of Air Mobility in Saudi Arabia

On November 20, 2025, SkyGrid, a leading provider in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in an effort to enhance AAM initiatives across Saudi Arabia. The partnership emerged during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This collaboration is set to play a crucial role in integrating advanced aviation technologies into the Kingdom's transportation landscape.

The joint venture will leverage SkyGrid's expertise in digital airspace solutions and KAUST's renowned research capabilities to pioneer innovations that are in line with Saudi Arabia's vision for national aviation. The focus of the collaboration will encompass the development of testbeds, research programs, and effective airspace integration, aimed to prepare the Kingdom for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations.

Objectives of the Collaboration

The strategic partnership aims to establish a comprehensive framework for exploring various AAM technology pathways. Through this, both organizations will work to bolster regulatory readiness, expand Saudi Arabia's capacity for aviation innovation, and foster joint advancements in technology. Highlights of this collaboration include:

• - Creation of an AAM Sandbox: This dedicated environment will allow for the testing and validation of emerging air mobility technologies, simulating real-world applications in a controlled setting.
• - Live and Simulated Flight Demonstrations: The collaboration will facilitate flight demonstrations that incorporate Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL), Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL), and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), seamlessly integrating SkyGrid's digital solutions with KAUST's research initiatives.
• - Advanced Research and Development: Focused efforts will extend to areas such as ensuring airspace efficiency, developing traffic deconfliction algorithms, and enabling Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) automation. Moreover, the initiative will explore resilient communication systems and digital twins to simulate operational environments.
• - Capacity Building Initiatives: The partnership will also emphasize the development of human resources needed to support the burgeoning AAM sector through technical training sessions, workshops, operator programs, and academic curriculum advancements.

Statements from Leadership

Jia Xu, the CEO of SkyGrid, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Saudi Arabia is making bold strides toward next-generation, sustainable aviation, and we are proud to support that vision. By partnering with KAUST, we can integrate world-class research with operational expertise, effectively laying the groundwork for the future of safe and scalable AAM.”

Further highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Sir Edward Byrne, President of KAUST, remarked, “By synergizing KAUST’s strengths in data, autonomy, and systems engineering with SkyGrid's advanced technologies, Saudi Arabia is poised to emerge as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility. This collaboration will catalyze the establishment of new industries, elevate national capabilities, and fundamentally transform logistics and movement within the Kingdom.”

In conclusion, the collaboration between SkyGrid and KAUST marks a significant step toward propelling Saudi Arabia's advancements in air mobility. As both partners embark on this journey, the collective aim will be to enhance transportation, ensure sustainable aviation practices, and cultivate an environment for next-generation technological innovations.