Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has launched a strategic initiative to become the primary gateway for smart and autonomous mobility startups looking to join the emirate’s ambitious Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster. The initiative, unveiled at the DRIFTx exhibition, creates a structured and streamlined route for high-potential startups to integrate directly into Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning transport technology ecosystem.
A Streamlined Route to Market
Through this new pathway, selected startups accepted into Hub71’s Access programme will be directly onboarded into the SAVI cluster. This integration provides immediate access to a powerful network of industry partners, Abu Dhabi’s regulatory sandbox for testing innovative mobility solutions, and direct connections to key SAVI stakeholders, including manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and government entities.
The programme offers structured support, including mentorship, funding opportunities, and market access, enabling founders to accelerate the development of smart, sustainable, and autonomous mobility solutions.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: “Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster represents the next evolution of global mobility, where emerging technologies reshape how we move and connect. Through this initiative, we are creating a direct pathway for startups to join one of the world’s most forward-looking mobility ecosystems. It reinforces our mission to empower founders with the regulatory access and opportunities needed to scale innovations that will define the future of transportation.”
Fueling Abu Dhabi’s Mobility Ambitions
Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the SAVI cluster is designed to establish the emirate as a global leader in smart and autonomous mobility across air, land, and sea. The cluster is projected to contribute AED 44 billion in economic value and generate over 40,000 skilled jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.
This partnership between Hub71 and ADIO is central to achieving that vision by attracting and nurturing top-tier startups.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, commented: “The SAVI cluster embodies Abu Dhabi’s vision to shape the future of mobility through a purpose-built ecosystem that translates innovation into sectoral transformation. In partnership with Hub71, we’re establishing a gateway for startups to enter this ecosystem, creating a streamlined path for early-stage companies to grow within SAVI’s dedicated network of infrastructure, testing environments, and industrial partners.”
A Sector-Focused Ecosystem
This smart mobility gateway aligns with Hub71’s broader sector-focused strategy, which includes specialist ecosystems like Hub71+ AI, Hub71+ ClimateTech, Hub71+ Digital Assets, and Hub71+ Life Sciences. These dedicated verticals are designed to connect startups with targeted capital, market access, and technical expertise, accelerating growth in sectors critical to Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy priorities.
About Hub71
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring technology companies in any sector. Located in the heart of the UAE’s capital, Hub71 provides access to a global network of partners, investors, and talent, and a progressive regulatory environment, creating a platform for startups to grow and scale.
About SAVI
The Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, led by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), is a purpose-built ecosystem in Abu Dhabi designed to establish the emirate as a global hub for the development and deployment of smart and autonomous mobility solutions across air, land, and sea.
Source: Hub71
