The innovation is mean to connect King Abdullah University and King Abdullah economic city.

Smart options for public transport and mobility in the Middle East are crucial for sustainable growth of tech-savvy infrastructures across cities in the region. After initiating electrification of the roads by offering incentives and launching apps, administrations have also started exploring their options for an eco-friendly, intelligent and affordable commute.

Apart from self-driving trucks and cabs that come equipped with cameras for monitoring the drivers, the region's tech oasis Dubai is also working on a smart ambulance which could also relay data in real time. Similarly in Saudi Arabia, an ambulance that connects a university with an industrial zone through the ocean has been launched, before accelerating tests for sea taxis.

Meant to connect the King Abdullah University of Science and Tech in the country with the King Abdullah Economic City, the floating ambulance stands its ground thanks to shock absorbers. The vehicle automatically adjusts to sudden movements on the surface of the water, and is capable of transferring patients who face emergencies, within 45 minutes.

An ICU bed is included in the space for three patients which can be expanded, along with a CPR device that makes the sea ambulance a life saver. The water wagon which covers a distance of almost eight kilometres at a time, also has medtech tools like a suction device and shock absorbent stretchers, backed by medication for emergencies.

Just months after the introduction of this tech equipped ambulance, sea taxis designed on similar lines, seem to be on the way for students at KAUST. The first trials for this commute through the ocean have been conducted in the Saudi city of Jeddah.

Smart transportation via water has so far been facilitated in the gulf thanks to AI-equipped dhow boats in the UAE, and systems which are designed to monitor vessels. Ports in Saudi Arabia's tech-savvy neighbour have also been enhanced with autonomous trucks to move cargo.

Coming back to ambulances, the smart version being considered for Dubai will not just turn red lights green, but will also pass on real time patient data to the hospital on the move.