Abu Dhabi has officially commenced public road trials for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) technology, a landmark move that marks the first time the advanced driver assistance system is being tested in the emirate under a structured regulatory framework. The initiative is being led by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, which confirmed that all trials will take place with a driver supervising the system.
A Structured Regulatory Framework
This initiative is designed to rigorously assess the system’s performance in real-world traffic conditions, verifying its operational capabilities and safety readiness before any consideration for a wider rollout. The testing is being conducted in close coordination with the Legislation Lab at the UAE Cabinet General Secretariat, highlighting the government’s strategic push to enable technological innovation within clearly defined regulatory parameters.
Authorities stated that the framework aims to establish a new regional benchmark for evaluating advanced driving and driver assistance technologies, ensuring that the highest safety standards are maintained throughout the process.
A Step Towards Smart Mobility
The trials represent a significant step in gathering the essential data needed to determine the technology’s readiness for potential future expansion across the emirate.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre, commented that the authority’s supervision of the trials underscores its regulatory and legislative mandate. He described the initiative as a crucial step toward evaluating the technology’s real-world capabilities.
By fostering collaboration between innovators and regulators, the ITC aims to strike a critical balance between accelerating innovation and safeguarding all road users. This move directly aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader ambition to build an advanced, safe, and sustainable transport ecosystem by embracing cutting-edge smart mobility technologies.
About the Integrated Transport Centre
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) was established in 2016 as an affiliate of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport. It is the responsible entity for operating public transport and managing parking spaces, traffic monitoring centers, and the logistical facilities of freight surface transport within the emirate. The ITC is committed to building a safe and sustainable transport network in line with the highest international standards.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
