Abu Dhabi is solidifying its position as a global leader in autonomous transport with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub, the first dedicated facility of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. The landmark project was announced by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and is being developed in collaboration with Space42, Masdar City, and Emirates Driving Company to fast-track the development and certification of autonomous vehicle technologies in the UAE.
A Strategic Push for Autonomous Leadership
The initiative was officially unveiled during DRIFTx 2025, a key event within the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC). The project’s first phase, which will focus on foundational studies and design work, is slated for completion by the end of 2026. This sets the stage for a fully integrated ecosystem designed to test, validate, and innovate in the self-driving technology sector.
Building a World-Class Testing Ecosystem
The hub is designed to be a cornerstone for cultivating national expertise in autonomous systems. It will feature an advanced testing environment that meticulously replicates real-world driving conditions, including urban, suburban, and mixed-use scenarios.
Equipped with cutting-edge digital twin capabilities, advanced sensor networks, and real-time data analytics, the facility will integrate directly with Abu Dhabi’s Autonomous Vehicles Integrated Testing, Operations and Management System (AViTOMS). This connection with broader traffic management platforms will be critical for enhancing operational safety and improving decision-making processes for autonomous mobility.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the ITC, highlighted the project’s significance as a major step toward a comprehensive ecosystem for self-driving technologies.
“This reflects a strategic collaboration across the public, private, and academic sectors and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the region in smart and autonomous mobility systems,” he said.
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, emphasized the hub’s role in the emirate’s “Falcon Economy,” a symbol of the UAE’s forward-looking economic strategy.
“Masdar City serves as a testbed where autonomy moves from concept to reality,” Baghoum stated, underscoring the project’s alignment with Abu Dhabi’s broader innovation agenda.
Aligning With National AI Ambitions
The project is a key component of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, aimed at strengthening national capabilities in autonomous technology. The hub will serve as a platform for research collaboration, skills development, and strategic partnerships with global manufacturers, startups, and academic institutions to pilot and scale next-generation smart mobility solutions.
About The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub is a pioneering initiative by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) to create the MENA region’s first comprehensive testing and validation facility for autonomous vehicles. Developed with partners including Space42, Masdar City, and Emirates Driving Company, the hub provides a realistic and digitally integrated environment to accelerate the development, certification, and deployment of smart mobility technologies, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the field.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
