Latest news with #SmartAutonomousVehicles
Arabian Post
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
UAE Advances Autonomous Mobility Across Airside and Urban Transport
dnata has introduced six autonomous electric baggage tractors at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, marking a pioneering shift in airport ground operations. The EZTow tractors, designed by TractEasy, tow up to four baggage containers at speeds near 15 km/h, operating at Level 3 autonomy under limited human oversight. By early 2026 the system is set to upgrade to Level 4 self-driving capability. The AED 6 million rollout seeks to enhance efficiency, safety, and allow staff to be redeployed to complex tasks. This deployment is one of the first live uses of autonomous ground vehicles in commercial aviation environments, with an operational testbed for wider adoption. dnata, alongside partners Dubai Airports, TractEasy and the General Civil Aviation Authority, will refine operating models and regulations ahead of DWC's planned capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Abu Dhabi's Masdar City has simultaneously launched Level 4 autonomous shuttle testing in collaboration with Mubadala's Solutions+, under the Integrated Transport Centre's Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. A 2.4‑kilometre geofenced route connects key locations such as the Siemens Building, IRENA HQ, My City Centre Masdar Mall and Central Park. Initially monitored by onboard safety officers, these vehicles will transition to remote monitoring as testing progresses. Masdar City's CEO Ahmed Baghoum emphasised the alignment of this project with environmental and digital innovation goals. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority has secured a partnership with China's Baidu to deploy 50 Level 4 autonomous taxis — the RT6 model — by the end of 2025. These taxis, equipped with over 40 sensors, will serve as a data-gathering pilot, with long-term plans for scaling up to 1,000 vehicles across the city based on performance data and passenger feedback. These simultaneous advancements reflect a coordinated national approach to smart mobility encompassing airside, urban shuttle services and public transport. They support the UAE's broader ambition to become a global testbed for autonomous vehicle integration across infrastructure sectors. Industry bodies, including the International Air Transport Association, note trials of automated ground support equipment in more than 15 countries, but most remain in experimental stages. The UAE, by placing these systems into everyday operations, is accelerating both regulatory frameworks and deployment standards. dnata's initiative extends beyond DWC; company executives indicate plans to replicate autonomous ground vehicle programmes in global markets, utilising the insights and regulatory models developed in Dubai. Abu Dhabi's shuttle testing further solidifies the emirate as a living lab for sustainable, intelligent transport, reinforcing Masdar City's role within the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry cluster. Public deployment of driverless urban taxis complements these efforts. Abu Dhabi saw the launch of the Middle East's first fully autonomous taxis—powered by China's WeRide and WeRide's partnership with Uber—on public roads in May 2025. The service operates across Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands, linking to commercial hubs such as Abu Dhabi Global Market, signalling readiness for scaled commercial use. The cumulative effect of these initiatives signals the UAE's transformation into a reference point for integrated autonomous mobility. Airport automation, urban shuttles, and public robotaxi services are all progressing concurrently, establishing precedent-setting frameworks for infrastructure, regulation, safety, and data governance. These deployments are expected to shape future mobility landscapes both domestically and on a global scale. Air corridor mapping for air taxis and cargo drones remains underway, with regulatory corridors expected by late 2026 and piloted vehicles in the sky by 2026. This aerial component integrates elegantly with the ground-focused programmes, laying the foundation for a comprehensive autonomous ecosystem.
Arabian Post
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Masdar City Drives In Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle Future
Masdar City has initiated real‑world testing of Level 4 autonomous vehicles, partnering with smart mobility firm Solutions+, a Mubadala venture. Overseen by Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre, the pilot marks a deliberate move in the emirate's drive to establish itself as a leading smart and sustainable transport hub. The programme involves the registration, safety certification and operational approval of fully autonomous vehicles for deployment across a 2.4 km geofenced route. The chosen circuit links key locations such as the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall, Central Park, the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2, and The Link. Initially, a safety officer will occupy each vehicle, with remote monitoring and control from a centralised operations hub expected as the trial progresses. Level 4 autonomy permits vehicles to function without human intervention within a defined area, representing a significant leap in self‑driving technology. Masdar City's role as a living laboratory for clean‑tech and smart mobility innovation—anchored by the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry cluster—makes it an ideal setting for such trials. ADVERTISEMENT Ahmed Baghoum, chief executive officer of Masdar City, praised the initiative as 'a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities,' emphasising that this collaboration with Solutions+ 'perfectly aligns with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration and environmental responsibility'. His remarks underscore Masdar City's ambition to streamline sustainability and technology in urban environments. Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting director‑general of the ITC, described the project as 'a key milestone in Abu Dhabi's vision to embrace future transport technologies,' reinforcing that the regulatory framework is tuned to support innovation and smart mobility adoption. Solutions+ chief operations officer, Ali Alyafei, highlighted the trial's value in testing Level 4 systems across both infrastructure and climatic conditions unique to the UAE. Alyafei noted the collaboration supports the broader UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The proof‑of‑concept will assess performance, safety and adaptability under real‑world conditions. Feedback from the testing phase will inform adjustments to vehicle systems and supporting infrastructure to ensure compliance with Abu Dhabi's regulations. This groundwork is vital before any plans for expansion across the emirate. Masdar City's commitment to autonomous mobility dates back to 2010, when first-generation AVs were introduced. Since then, it has continuously evolved into a showcase for urban sustainability and innovation. Today, it hosts approximately 15,000 residents and office workers, centred around industry clusters including smart mobility, energy, agritech, AI and space technology. This new Level 4 initiative aligns with the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council strategy, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global contender in clean technology and sustainable transport. By offering a controlled yet genuine urban environment, Masdar City has become a magnet for international autonomous vehicle manufacturers seeking to refine their technology in real‑world conditions. The local climate—with high temperatures and distinctive road conditions—provides an invaluable testing environment. Results from these tests are expected to shape future regulatory and infrastructural policies, guiding the emirate's broader ambitions. As Masdar City continues to attract AV pioneers, it enhances the SAVI cluster's reputation. The initiative also signals to investors and technology partners that the UAE remains at the forefront of smart‑city innovation. Under the strategic oversight of the ITC, regulatory frameworks are being adapted to accommodate autonomous systems, ensuring safety without stifling progress. Abu Dhabi's commitment to net‑zero emissions by 2050 finds fresh impetus in this initiative. Implementation of Level 4 autonomous vehicles could significantly reduce urban emissions, congestion and dependence on traditional public transport modes. The phased rollout—starting with onboard safety personnel, transitioning to remote operations—offers a controlled yet scalable model for future deployment across similar precincts. It creates a clear pathway for integration into broader transport systems.
