Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has unveiled the world’s first modular smart vehicles at the DRIFTx event during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week. The announcement marks a significant step forward in the emirate’s push towards innovative and autonomous mobility solutions.
With this initiative, Abu Dhabi becomes the first city globally to officially classify modular, reconfigurable smart vehicles as a distinct category of road transport, setting a new precedent for emerging regulatory frameworks in the mobility sector.
A New Class of Urban Mobility
Developed by NExT, the new vehicles are designed with a unique modular system that allows them to link together or detach based on real-time operational needs. This flexibility enables them to adapt to fluctuating passenger demand and various service requirements throughout the day.
According to the ITC, this dynamic reconfigurability can help optimize road usage, leading to smoother traffic flow, reduced congestion, and lower carbon emissions. The technology’s feasibility has been validated through extensive research, including studies in New York and Abu Dhabi, as well as several international awards and field trials.
Pilot Program on Yas Island
To test the system in a real-world environment, the ITC is launching the world’s first pilot of these multi-unit modular vehicles on Yas Island. The trial will be conducted in partnership with the Emirates Driving Company, Liftango, and Paradigma Innovation Hub.
Insights gathered from the pilot program are expected to guide the future application and integration of connected and autonomous mobility services across the emirate. Beyond immediate transport functions, the vehicles will also serve as a development platform for advanced smart operating systems and remote-control technologies.
A Strategic Move for Autonomous Transport
Dr. Abdulla Hamad Al Ghfeli, Acting Director General of ITC, stated that the initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing innovative transport solutions that improve both efficiency and sustainability.
“The adoption of modular smart vehicles is a significant milestone in building a more integrated and intelligent mobility ecosystem,” Al Ghfeli remarked.
Antonio Guadagnino, CIO of NExT, highlighted the technology’s practical advantages, noting that it offers a deployable solution without requiring new infrastructure.
“This could address key challenges such as congestion and first- and last-mile connectivity issues, which are likely to shape mobility priorities across the Gulf region,” said Guadagnino.
About Integrated Transport Centre
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) was established in November 2016 and is affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi. It is the competent authority responsible for operating the public transport sector and managing parking spaces, traffic monitoring centers, and vehicle and driver licensing in the emirate.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
