Abu Dhabi is taking bold strides toward the future of transportation. One of its most forward-looking projects is happening right now in Masdar City, where Level 4 autonomous vehicle (AV) trials are actively underway. These trials are more than tech demos — they’re a cornerstone in the UAE’s national ambition to be a global hub for smart, sustainable, and autonomous mobility.
Table of Contents
What’s Being Tested
The trial, launched in July 2025, features driverless electric shuttles operating along a 2.4 km geofenced loop that connects key sites in Masdar City:
- Siemens Middle East HQ
- My City Centre Masdar
- IRENA HQ
- Masdar Park
These vehicles are equipped with LiDAR, radar, AI-powered perception systems, and real-time telemetry. Although onboard safety staff remain for now, the long-term goal is remote supervision with no onboard drivers.
Official release from Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Strategic Oversight & Governance
The trials are conducted under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and the Smart & Autonomous Systems Council. The operational partner is Solutions+, a Mubadala-owned mobility innovation firm.
Together, they form a tightly coordinated governance and implementation model—balancing innovation, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Connected to the SAVI Cluster
This pilot is not a standalone initiative. It is a key program under Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster—launched to create a regulatory, R&D, and commercial ecosystem for:
- Land-based autonomous vehicles
- Drone delivery systems
- Maritime autonomy platforms
Masdar City, with its existing infrastructure, has become a natural live sandbox to host these trials.
Technical Features at a Glance
Autonomy Level SAE Level 4 (High automation within test zone)
Safety Staff Present during trial phase
Sensors LiDAR, Radar, Cameras, AI Vision
Operations Centrally monitored, scalable to remote-only
Powertrain Fully electric and zero-emission
Real-World Benefits
For businesses and governments alike, the value of these trials is significant:
- Infrastructure insights: Understanding how AVs interact with road systems, signage, and urban layouts
- Policy shaping: Informing future legislation around AV operation, insurance, and certification
- Investor confidence: Demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s readiness to scale autonomous transport
- Sustainability gains: Aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 agenda
Not the First — and Not the Last
Masdar City has been a pioneer in this space before. It introduced PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) EVs over a decade ago, long before autonomous driving became mainstream. These early efforts laid the groundwork for the current generation of autonomous trials.
Read more about Masdar’s PRT legacy
Cut back to 2016: 2 Million Passengers in 6 years
What’s Next?
- Gradual expansion of the route and removal of safety drivers
- Integration into Masdar City’s daily transport grid
- AV adoption models for broader Abu Dhabi districts
- AV regulations formalized under the SAVI framework
For Mobility Innovators & Investors
Companies interested in piloting, certifying, or scaling AV technologies in the UAE can benefit from this trial model. With the SAVI cluster offering regulatory sandboxes and Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ) providing licensing and infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is building one of the world’s most complete autonomous transport ecosystems.
Set up your company in Masdar City Free Zone
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Benoy Jacob is a journalist-turned-business consultant, currently serving as the Director of Client Relations at ATB Corporate in Abu Dhabi. With a keen eye for market trends and business strategy, he helps companies expand, build strategic partnerships, and optimize their operations in the UAE. Benoy brings a unique perspective on economic policies, trade ecosystems, and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region.