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The National
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Abu Dhabi's Masdar City begins trials of self-driving shuttle service
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi has launched trials of a self-driving shuttle service that transports passengers around a 2.4km route. If the trials prove successful the service will be deployed on a wider basis, reported the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The route connects several locations within Masdar City, including the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall and Central Park, and navigates past landmarks including the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2 and The Link. "The announcement of level 4 testing marks a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities and we are proud that Masdar City is once again leading the field in the development of such a critical future technology," said Ahmed Baghoum, chief executive of Masdar City. "The initiative also aligns perfectly with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration and environmental responsibility. By collaborating with partners like Solutions+, we are not only advancing autonomous vehicle technology but also contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban landscape for all.' The trials, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), will act as an opportunity to monitor the technology's performance amid the real-world infrastructure and specific climatic conditions of the UAE, reported the media office. It will enable the autonomous vehicles (AVs) to be modified in line with the UAE's requirements and operational infrastructure. 'This initiative marks a key milestone in Abu Dhabi's vision to embrace future transport technologies and reaffirms our commitment to providing an integrated regulatory environment that supports innovation and accelerates the adoption of smart mobility solutions," said Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, acting director-general of the ITC. "We are working to enable a sustainable and flexible transport model that enhances the emirate's competitiveness and supports its ambition to become a global hub for smart cities and sustainable mobility.' Future of transport The UAE aims to become a leader in smart mobility systems to boost sustainability and adopt the latest technologies. Dubai began supervised testing of driverless vehicles on its public roads in October 2023 after the US self-driving tech company Cruise, which is backed by General Motors and Honda Motor, was issued with a trial permit. In Abu Dhabi, Uber and China's WeRide launched the Middle East's first commercial driverless mobility service in December. The UAE capital already has its own fleet of driverless taxis on Yas Island run by TXAI, the UAE's first driverless taxi service. Earlier this month, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority has announced a framework to regulate the use of electric and conventional helicopters in the Emirates. The roll-out of the regulations will allow both electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure.
Gulf Business
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi's futuristic move: Level 4 self‑driving cars roll out in Masdar City
Image credit: WAM/Website Masdar City has launched real-world testing of Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) in partnership with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company. The initiative is being overseen by Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and marks a significant step forward in the emirate's efforts to become a global hub for sustainable and innovative transport. The project involves the registration, testing, and operational approval of Level 4 AVs, ensuring full compliance with safety standards and aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision for a smarter, more connected transport network, Read- Level 4 automation allows vehicles to operate independently within a geofenced area, without the need for driver intervention. Masdar City, known for its sustainability credentials and technological innovation, is offering itself as a testbed for the emerging technology, welcoming global AV manufacturers to trial their solutions within the city's urban ecosystem. Strategic move toward sustainable transport The initiative highlights Masdar City's growing role as a clean-tech and smart mobility leader. It is home to the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, furthering Abu Dhabi's ambition to develop future-ready cities through cutting-edge technologies. Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, commented on the development, saying, ' The announcement of Level 4 testing marks a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities. We are proud that Masdar City is once again leading the way in the development of this critical technology. This initiative aligns with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration, and environmental responsibility.' Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, echoed the sentiment, calling it a milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey toward embracing future mobility. 'This initiative reaffirms our commitment to supporting innovation through a flexible regulatory environment. We are enabling a sustainable transport model that strengthens the emirate's global competitiveness,' he said. Testing in a real-world urban ecosystem The proof-of-concept phase involves a 2.4-kilometre route within Masdar City. The AVs are currently navigating a loop that links key landmarks such as the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall, Central Park, and others, passing by the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2, and The Link. Initially, safety officers are stationed onboard the vehicles. However, as the trials progress, full autonomous control will be managed remotely from a centralized operations room. The testing will help refine AV technology to meet UAE-specific operational and regulatory needs, especially in response to local infrastructure and climate conditions. Ali Alyafei, Chief Operations Officer at Solutions+, said the collaboration is crucial for refining the technology. 'Partnering with Masdar City allows us to test Level 4 AVs in a real-world environment that blends advanced infrastructure with a strong sustainability focus. This collaboration not only sharpens our solutions but also supports the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.' Performance, safety, and adaptability will be rigorously assessed during the testing phase. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for broader deployment of autonomous vehicles across the capital, in line with future government regulations. A decade-long commitment to AV innovation Masdar City's latest trials continue a long-standing commitment to autonomous mobility. The city introduced its first-generation AVs in 2010 and has since evolved into a regional innovation hub for sustainable urban solutions. This latest initiative, led through its Smart Mobility Cluster, underscores its mission to accelerate the adoption of clean and intelligent transportation systems. By positioning itself as a real-world testing ground, Masdar City is not only contributing to the development of global AV standards but also reinforcing the UAE's role as a front-runner in the smart cities space.
Arabian Business
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi's Masdar City begins new self-driving car trials
Masdar City has commenced testing level 4 autonomous vehicles as part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council's strategy, working in partnership with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company. The Integrated Transport Centre oversees the initiative, which involves registration, testing and operational approval of autonomous vehicles to ensure safety, compliance and alignment with Abu Dhabi's vision for smart mobility. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masdar City (@masdarcityabudhabi) Masdar City tests level 4 AVs The project demonstrates the emirate's commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future through technology whilst underlining Masdar City's role as a hub for clean technology and home to the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry cluster in advancing autonomous transport. Level 4 automation represents a leap in autonomous vehicle technology, enabling vehicles to operate entirely independently within a geofenced zone. Masdar City offers a 'real-world testbed' for sustainable mobility by inviting manufacturers to test their level 4 autonomous vehicles in its integrated urban ecosystem, the Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO) said in a statement. Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City said: 'The announcement of level 4 testing marks a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities and we are proud that Masdar City is once again leading the field in the development of such a critical future technology. The initiative also aligns perfectly with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration and environmental responsibility. By collaborating with partners like Solutions+, we are not only advancing autonomous vehicle technology but also contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban landscape for all.' The proof of concept phase monitors the technology's performance within the UAE's real-world infrastructure and climatic conditions, delivering insights for development of autonomous transportation. Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, added: 'This initiative marks a key milestone in Abu Dhabi's vision to embrace future transport technologies and reaffirms our commitment to providing an integrated regulatory environment that supports innovation and accelerates the adoption of smart mobility solutions. We are working to enable a sustainable and flexible transport model that enhances the emirate's competitiveness and supports its ambition to become a global hub for smart cities and sustainable mobility.' The vehicles follow a 2.4km test route linking locations including the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall and Central Park, navigating past landmarks including the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2 and The Link. The autonomous vehicles initially operate with safety officers onboard but will transition to operation from a centralised remote control room as the programme progresses. Ali Alyafei, Chief Operations Officer at Solutions+, explained: 'Partnering with Masdar City allows us to test our level 4 autonomous vehicles in a unique, real-world environment that combines cutting-edge infrastructure with a strong commitment to sustainability. This collaboration not only helps refine our technology but also demonstrates how innovative mobility solutions can contribute to building smarter, more efficient urban ecosystems aligned with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.' The testing enables autonomous vehicles to be modified according to the UAE's requirements and operational infrastructure. Masdar City will assess performance, safety and adaptability during testing before considering deployment in line with Abu Dhabi Government regulations. The initiative underscores Masdar City's leadership in accelerating change and innovation through its Smart Mobility Cluster. By serving as a testbed for technologies, Masdar City helps shape the future of sustainable urban transportation and positions itself as an enabler of clean-tech advancements. The trials represent the latest milestone in the urban sustainability hub's commitment to autonomous vehicle development, following the introduction of the first generation of vehicles in 2010.
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Masdar City trials next-generation autonomous vehicles
Abu Dhabi, UAE – As part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) strategy, Masdar City has begun testing level 4 autonomous vehicles (AV) in the city, in partnership with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company. The initiative, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), has involved the registration, testing and operational approval of autonomous vehicles, ensuring safety, compliance and alignment with Abu Dhabi's broader vision for smart mobility. The project demonstrates the emirate's commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future through cutting-edge technology and underlines the role of Masdar City, a global hub for clean technology and home to the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, in further advancing autonomous transport. Level 4 automation is a significant leap in AV technology as it enables the vehicle to operate entirely on its own within a specific geofenced zone. Masdar City is offering a real-world testbed for advanced sustainable mobility by inviting global manufacturers to test their level 4 AVs in its integrated urban ecosystem. Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, said: 'The announcement of level 4 testing marks a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities and we are proud that Masdar City is once again leading the field in the development of such a critical future technology. The initiative also aligns perfectly with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration and environmental responsibility. By collaborating with partners like Solutions+, we are not only advancing autonomous vehicle technology but also contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban landscape for all.' Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said: 'This initiative marks a key milestone in Abu Dhabi's vision to embrace future transport technologies and reaffirms our commitment to providing an integrated regulatory environment that supports innovation and accelerates the adoption of smart mobility solutions. We are working to enable a sustainable and flexible transport model that enhances the emirate's competitiveness and supports its ambition to become a global hub for smart cities and sustainable mobility.' Ali Alyafei, Chief Operations Officer at Solutions+, said: 'Partnering with Masdar City allows us to test our level 4 autonomous vehicles in a unique, real-world environment that combines cutting-edge infrastructure with a strong commitment to sustainability. This collaboration not only helps refine our technology but also demonstrates how innovative mobility solutions can contribute to building smarter, more efficient urban ecosystems aligned with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.' The proof-of-concept phase is an opportunity to monitor the technology's performance amid the real-world infrastructure and specific climatic conditions of the UAE, delivering invaluable insights for the global development of autonomous transportation. The vehicles are following a comprehensive 2.4km test route that links several important locations, such as the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall and Central Park, navigating past prominent landmarks including the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2 and The Link. The AVs initially have safety officers onboard but will transition to fully autonomous operation from a centralised remote-control room as the programme progresses. The testing will enable AVs to be modified in line with the UAE's requirements and operational infrastructure. Masdar City will assess performance, safety and adaptability during testing before considering wider deployment in line with Abu Dhabi Government regulations. This initiative underscores Masdar City's leadership in accelerating change and innovation through its Smart Mobility Cluster. By serving as a testbed for cutting-edge technologies, Masdar City is helping to shape the future of sustainable urban transportation and positioning itself as a key enabler of clean-tech advancements. The trials are the latest milestone in the urban sustainability hub's commitment to the development of AVs, with the introduction of the first generation of vehicles in 2010. Historically, Masdar City and Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) underwent a strategic separation in late 2022 to maximize their contributions to the UAE and the world while ensuring brand continuity for both entities. Please do not abbreviate Masdar City to Masdar. Masdar City is now a separate legal entity. About Masdar City Masdar City is a pioneering sustainable urban community, a world-class business and technology hub, and a 'green-print' for cities that want to be part of the solution to climate change. With one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world, we are dedicated to creating a new kind of city, a new way of working and living, and a more sustainable future for everyone. The Masdar City Free Zone is a diverse, innovative, and ambitious group of over 1,000 organizations that benefit from comprehensive business support as well as the city's rich ecosystem. Tenants include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the UAE Space Agency, Siemens Energy, G42, the Advanced Technology Research Council, several Fortune 500 companies, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. The Masdar City Free Zone also includes The Catalyst, a clean-tech start-up investor powered by both Masdar City and BP. About Integrated Transport Centre The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, is the legislative, regulatory, and supervisory authority responsible for managing and developing the transport sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It formulates policies and frameworks aimed at establishing a smart, safe, and integrated mobility system that supports the Emirate's aspiration to be among the most advanced cities in the world. ITC oversees all land, maritime, and aviation transport activities across the Emirate, ensuring the integration and advancement of the mobility system in line with urban expansion and population growth. It also strives to harness the latest technologies, innovation, and sustainability tools to meet future mobility demands, enhance quality of life, and redefine urban living standards by embedding advanced solutions and promoting sustainable mobility practices. About Solutions Plus As an agile, creative, and impactful partner, Solutions+ is a strategic shared services and advisory partner offering integrated facilities management, digital services, finance, human resources, procurement, customer services, sports and entertainment services, and net zero carbon emissions reporting for buildings. Serving clients across key sectors in the UAE, the company cuts through complexity by moving with flexibility, introducing innovative thinking, creating synergies, and delivering solutions for tangible change. By setting the path of action for customized and quality results, the company enables its clients to focus on the success of their core business.
Khaleej Times
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Driverless vehicle undergoes live trial in Abu Dhabi's Masdar City
In another step towards advancing driverless mobility solutions in the UAE, Masdar city has tested autonomous vehicles in the Capital Abu Dhabi. The trial was conducted in partnership with smart mobility provider Solutions+ and under the oversight of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). It aimed at ensuring these vehicles meet safety and compliance standards while aligning with the broader goals of Abu Dhabi's smart mobility strategy. In a post on X, the Abu Dhabi media office shared a clip of people riding the small autonomous vehicle before it started moving. Take a look: اÙ�ذجارب اÙ�ØÙ�Ø© اÙ�Ø°Ù� أجرذÙ�ا Ù�دÙ�Ù�Ø© Ù�صدر عÙ�Ù� اÙ�Ù�سذÙ�Ù� اÙ�رابع Ù�Ù�Ù�رÙ�باذ ذاذÙ�Ø© اÙ�Ù�Ù�ادة أسÙ�Ù�Ø° Ù�Ù� إذاØØ© اÙ�Ù�رصة Ù�Ø°Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù� أداء Ù�Ø°Ù� اÙ�Ù�رÙ�باذ Ù�Ù� بÙ�ئة Ù�اÙ�عÙ�Ø© Ø°Ù�راعÙ� خصÙ�صÙ�Ø© دÙ�Ù�Ø© اÙ�Ø¥Ù�اراذØ� Ù�ضÙ�اÙ� عÙ� Ø°Ù�دÙ�Ù� رؤÙ�Ù� Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© Ù�دعÙ� ذطÙ�Ù�ر Ù�طاع اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù� اÙ�ØضرÙ� اÙ�Ø°Ù�Ù� عÙ�Ù� Ù�سذÙ�Ù� اÙ�Ø¥Ù�ارة. — Ù�Ù�ذب أبÙ�ظبÙ� اÙ�إعÙ�اÙ�Ù� (@ADMediaOffice) July 11, 2025 "The test route spans 2.4 kilometres and includes key locations like Siemens, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar, and Central Park," it added. "This data will be used to adapt AV technology to meet the UAE's regulatory and operational needs. Masdar City will monitor the vehicles for safety, efficiency, and integration potential before expanding the programme." it clarified. This real-world environment is provided by Masdar City for global manufacturers to test their driverless vehicles. Initially, safety officers accompany the vehicles, but the system is expected to transition to remote monitoring from a central control room. In Dubai, it was announce that trial runs of autonomous vehicles will begin later this year, according to a new agreement. Field preparations for the pilot phase are already underway, led by Uber and WeRide, with strategic support and supervision from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
