The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), part of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced plans to develop the Abu Dhabi Smart and Autonomous Mobility Systems Testing Centre, which will be known as the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Centre—the first facility of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.
The initiative, launched under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, was revealed during Drift X 2025, held as part of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week.
The project is being developed in partnership with Space42, Masdar City, and the Emirates Driving Company, and aims to position the UAE at the forefront of autonomous vehicle testing and certification in the region.
Collaboration Drives First Phase of Autonomous Mobility Centre
The four entities signed a cooperation agreement during the event to advance the project’s initial phase, which will include feasibility studies and design development.
This stage is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, paving the way for a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to testing and validating autonomous mobility technologies in real-world and simulated environments.
The centre will support a wide range of smart mobility applications, from self-driving cars and drones to AI-powered transport systems, integrating advanced sensors, simulation tools, and data analysis systems to ensure safety and performance.
Driving the UAE’s Smart Mobility Vision: Regulatory Framework Integration
Officials said the initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing leadership in digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability within the transport sector.
By combining cutting-edge technology with the emirate’s robust legislative and regulatory framework, the testing centre will serve as a model for how cities can safely and efficiently integrate autonomous and connected vehicles into public infrastructure.
The project also aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to become a global hub for future mobility technologies, supporting both economic diversification and sustainable urban development.
A Regional First: Testing Autonomous Solutions for MENA Climate
Once operational, the Abu Dhabi Smart and Autonomous Mobility Systems Testing Centre will provide a controlled testing environment for companies, startups, and research institutions to develop and validate autonomous solutions tailored to the region’s climate, traffic, and road conditions.
It will also foster partnerships between government, academia, and industry, promoting innovation in electric vehicles, smart infrastructure, and AI-driven transport systems.
With this landmark initiative, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a regional leader in next-generation mobility, setting new standards for safety, sustainability, and innovation in the transport sector.
