Visitors to AlUla will now be able to get in and out of the historic site in Saudi Arabia via an autonomous electric smart pod.
The car, which can hold about 22 passengers seating or standing, is being tested as part of a pilot scheme, and, on their first day of operation, some 280 people climbed aboard.
The service is part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s Journey Through Time scheme, which ultimately aims to develop a range of fully integrated, accessible and environmentally friendly public transport options for those who make the trip to the site in Saudi Arabia's Madinah region.
At the moment, the route picks up visitors from the site’s south car park and takes them directly in and out of the Old Town. Passengers can ride the pod free of charge along a circular route, with each leg in and out taking about three minutes to cover the kilometre trip.
As the pilot continues, the service will be expanded to other areas of AlUla, including Dadan, Hegra and AlJadidah later in the year.
The RCU worked with public transport company RATP Dev to develop the service.
Using the latest in electric vehicle battery technology, the pod can get a full charge in 15 minutes. This will allow it to travel 50km.
The scheme is the first step towards providing AlUla community with a clean and safe mobility solution, according to RCU chief executive Amr AlMadani.
“The pod will give visitors and members of the community a viable and attractive alternative to using personal cars and SUVs to travel around the town and, as the service expands and grows, to surrounding areas,” he said.
As matters progress, the RCU plans on making the innovative transport concept available to residents and visitors via smartphone app.
There will be a two-week gap in the pilot, when the pod will be shipped to Dubai to be displayed at the Mena Transport Congress and Exhibition event, which takes place from February 6 to 8.
See AlUla in photos:
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh135,000
Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
