Saudi startup AtharX is developing homegrown simulation and digital-twin technology for urban air mobility. 

Founded by Dr Firas Ben Ameur, CEO, AtharX develops computational simulation tools alongside AI applications such as surrogate modelling and computer vision. 

One of AtharX’s current projects is focused on urban air mobility. Through a project funded by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the company is developing a digital twin designed to support decisions around future flying-taxi operations. 

The system simulates drone and aircraft interactions, including wake-to-wake effects, and is intended to provide faster analysis for smart-city planners and urban air mobility operators. 

“We are building a digital twin to help future smart cities and UAM operators make the decision to go or not to go within the flying-taxi framework,” Ben Ameur said. 

The company is now looking to commercialise its existing simulation tools, including computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers and AI models developed in-house. 

Building simulation tech 

Ben Ameur said simulation work for areas such as space and engineering design is often outsourced to companies and consultancies outside Saudi Arabia. AtharX wants to develop those capabilities locally.