Masdar City Begins Testing Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles
Masdar City has announced the launch of a new testing program for level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs), as part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) strategy. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Solutions+, a Mubadala company, and is overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).
The project includes the registration, testing, and operational approval of AVs. It aims to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and alignment with Abu Dhabi's broader vision for smart mobility.
Officials reported that this initiative highlights Masdar City's role as a global clean-tech hub and the home of the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster. The level 4 technology allows AVs to operate independently within a defined geofenced area.
Masdar City is inviting global manufacturers to test their vehicles in its integrated, sustainable urban environment.
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, revealed that the level 4 testing represents a major step forward in AV capabilities. He emphasized the city's commitment to innovation, digital integration, and environmental responsibility.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said the initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi's dedication to future transport technologies. It supports an integrated regulatory framework that encourages innovation and promotes sustainable mobility.
Ali Alyafei, COO at Solutions+, added that testing in Masdar City provides a valuable real-world environment combining advanced infrastructure and sustainability goals. The project supports the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The proof-of-concept phase will examine AV performance under real-world conditions and UAE-specific climate challenges. The current 2.4km route connects several key locations including: Siemens building
North Car Park
My City Centre Masdar mall
Central Park
AVs will also navigate past landmarks like the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2, and The Link. Initially, safety officers will ride in the vehicles, which will later be operated remotely from a control room.
Masdar City will monitor safety, performance, and adaptability before considering wider deployment.
This trial reflects the city's long-standing leadership in sustainable mobility. Masdar City first introduced AVs in 2010 and continues to serve as a testbed for advanced transportation technologies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
iACCEL GBI and Toronto Business Development Centre team up to help startups scale across UAE and Canada
iACCEL Gulf Business Incubator (iACCEL GBI), a leading go-to-market accelerator launched under the patronage of Dubai SME, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC), Toronto's 35 year old, premier non-profit startup incubator. The agreement establishes a robust cross-border framework designed to support high-potential startups in navigating international expansion between the UAE and Canada. This partnership brings together TBDC's experience helping global startups grow in North America and iACCEL GBI's success in the UAE and Middle East, creating a pathway for expansion. Opening Canada's vibrant tech ecosystem to UAE & Middle Eastern startups, while offering Canadian entrepreneurs' clear pathways into the GCC Region. This partnership comes at a time when both countries are looking to grow stronger startup ecosystems. It shows a joint commitment to helping founders succeed beyond their home markets. iACCEL GBI and TBDC will work together to launch new efforts that give startups the right support networks, guidance, and real chances to grow in global markets. Startups that participate in the initiatives and programs, from this association will receive strong support to prepare for new markets, along with direct links to investors, business leaders, and local experts. The Toronto–UAE Innovation Bridge will also offer ongoing access to shared tools, trusted advice, and learning from other founders. "Partnering with TBDC represents a new chapter in how we help entrepreneurs achieve global ambitions," said Deepak Ahuja, Co-founder and CEO of iACCEL GBI. "By working closely with an organization that has decades of experience supporting international startups in North America, we're opening exciting opportunities for founders of this region to scale into one of the world's most dynamic technology regions." Anishkaa Gehani, Co-founder and CMO of iACCEL GBI, added: "Startups thrive when they have access to fresh perspectives and the right ecosystem to support their journey. Our partnership with TBDC is about fulfilling this need - by creating a platform where entrepreneurs from the UAE and Canada can connect, test ideas in new environments, and accelerate their ambitions with confidence." Vikram Khurana, chairman of Toronto Business Development Centre, said: "Our partnership with iACCEL GBI creates a launchpad for UAE startups to grow into North America and pathways for Canadian ventures into the Gulf. The UAE is a critical node in the global innovation landscape and this partnership will foster two-way access between two major tech and investment hubs." With both countries emerging as strong startup hubs, this partnership allows iACCEL GBI and TBDC to play an active role in shaping global innovation, while helping the UAE grow as a top destination for entrepreneurs.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
FAB Islamic, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority partner to offer loans to eligible Emiratis
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), through its Islamic and National Housing Loan (NHL) divisions, has announced a significant collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) to provide Abu Dhabi government subsidised Islamic home financing to eligible UAE citizens. The service supports the UAE's "Year of Community" initiative which aims to enhance family financial stability and increase sustainable homeownership across the nation. The strategic partnership positions FAB as the key financial partner for ADHA beneficiaries by offering a comprehensive and fully digitalised housing solution. Customers will benefit from a secured FAB NHL loan, combined with additional Shari'ah-compliant home financing from FAB Islamic available at competitive profit rates starting from 3.89% fixed for five years. As part of the agreement, the Abu Dhabi government will subsidise 50% of the profit rate on the additional Islamic home financing (up to AED 500,000). Any financing above this cap will continue to be offered at the lowest available market rate, providing Emiratis with greater financial flexibility and peace of mind. This new FAB Islamic and FAB NHL financial solution supports ADHA's mission to empower UAE nationals with access to affordable housing, aligning with the government's vision to enhance community wellbeing through strategic private sector collaboration. In addition to the subsidised profit rate, eligible customers will enjoy a range of exclusive value-added benefits designed to ensure a seamless home finance experience. FAB's dedicated home finance centres will offer direct access to expert relationship managers, supported by a responsive after-sales service team and helpline. Customers will benefit from a range of services and an instant digital application process for their National Housing Loan through the FAB NHL app, using UAE PASS, without the hassle of visiting a physical branch. Customers will also have the flexibility to partially settle their finance at any point throughout the finance period. The same competitive rate will apply even for customers seeking for Islamic home finance amount above AED500,000, ensuring continued affordability regardless of financing size. New customers who transfer their salary to a FAB Islamic Savings Account or obtain a FAB Emirati Islamic Credit Card will receive AED10,000 in cashback rewards and enjoy a waiver of fees for the first year. Jasim Al Hammadi, Director of Loans and Benefits at the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, commented, 'At the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, we are committed to empowering UAE Nationals to choose homes that meet their needs by providing housing finance solutions tailored to the diverse requirements of Emirati families. Through this partnership, First Abu Dhabi Bank offers additional home finance solutions above the AED 1.75 million housing loan amount, for those who wish to apply, with 50% government-supported profit rates. This reflects the Authority's dedication to offering solutions and benefits that meet citizens' needs and promote long-term family stability.' Fahad Al Shaer, Head of FAB Islamic, said, 'FAB Islamic remains committed to building strong community partnerships and delivering market-leading Islamic banking solutions that enable more Emiratis to own, build, or renovate their homes with confidence. Our collaboration with ADHA builds on this commitment, offering a simplified and Shari'ah-compliant home financing solution that supports the UAE's vision for community empowerment. Through this service, we are proud to provide Emirati families with greater financial flexibility, dignity, and peace of mind as they invest in their future homes and create a successful future." Khaled Alzaabi, Head of FAB National Housing Loans, added, 'Our collaboration with ADHA reflects our continued efforts to enhance housing solutions that directly serve the needs of Emirati citizens. By subsidising the profit rate on additional Islamic home financing and strengthening strategical partnerships with trusted suppliers, this solution aims to ease financial pressures and contribute to greater family stability supporting our goal of a more inclusive and empowered community.'
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi's AI sector sees huge expansion with 150 new firms this year
Abu Dhabi's artificial intelligence (AI) sector is undergoing an extraordinary acceleration with 150 new AI firms launched in six months. This growth positions the emirate as a global epicentre of AI innovation and growth. According to data published by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the emirate, with 673 AI companies, has experienced a 61% increase in the AI sector between June 2023 to June 2024. Globally, there are approximately 90,904 AI companies as of 2024, which places Abu Dhabi's AI company count as a notable concentration within the global landscape, finds the study. The findings highlight Abu Dhabi's rise as the fastest growing centre for artificial intelligence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and a global leader in AI- driven enterprise, innovation, and research. The emirate's first mover advantage in artificial intelligence is demonstrated by the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's first graduate level, research focused university dedicated to AI. MBZUAI continues to attract world-class talent and consistently ranks among the top global institutions for AI research impact. Its specialist programmes in cutting-edge fields such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and statistics and data science underscore Abu Dhabi's commitment to research-based innovation and workforce development, said the study. Abu Dhabi is setting global standards for the adoption of AI across strategic sectors, supported by a constellation of unique institutions and establishments, including the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies related to research, infrastructure and investments in artificial intelligence and advanced technology, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), AI71, Hub71, G42, and Space42 GIQ. These collaborative efforts are rapidly transforming industries from healthcare and logistics to finance and education, with TII and MBZUAI both making advances in open-source AI models that are accessible to researchers and innovators globally. Mature AI ecosystem Abu Dhabi Chamber has revealed that over 58% of all AI firms in the emirate are dedicated to innovation, research, and consultancy - clear evidence of a sophisticated, research-driven business environment. The past six months (January to June 2025) alone have seen the launch of 150 new AI companies, driven by strategic investment, advanced infrastructure, and cross-sector demand in Abu Dhabi. Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: 'Abu Dhabi's artificial intelligence sector is rapidly evolving from early adoption to real-world transformation, with a growing share of activity rooted in research, strategic consultancy, and enterprise-level solutions. This surge is not only about numbers; it reflects a vibrant, diverse community of entrepreneurs, scientists, and global leaders who recognise Abu Dhabi as a magnet for groundbreaking technology ventures." 'What sets this ecosystem apart is the strength of collaboration between government and business, global leaders and emerging innovators, and research and industry. At the Chamber, we see it as our responsibility to foster these connections and create the conditions for innovation to thrive, not as an exception but as the standard,' Al Dhaheri added. A new model for AI-led growth At the heart of this transformation is the Abu Dhabi Chamber's new strategic roadmap (2025-2028), which places the ease of doing business, policy advocacy, and ecosystem connectivity at its core. A dedicated Advocacy Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and Technology brings together sector leaders who are actively shaping the future of AI in Abu Dhabi, giving the emirate a distinctive competitive edge and reinforcing its status as a centre for innovation and enterprise, said the chamber. Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
