Masdar City has commenced real-world testing of next-generation Level 4 autonomous vehicles, marking a significant step forward in Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility ambitions. Conducted in partnership with Solutions+, a Mubadala company, and under the oversight of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), the trials highlight the emirate’s commitment to sustainable innovation and digital transformation in urban transport.
The initiative enables global manufacturers to test autonomous vehicles within a 2.4 km geofenced route that connects strategic locations across Masdar City, including the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall, and Central Park. Key landmarks along the route include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) HQ, MC2, and The Link.
Level 4 autonomy enables vehicles to operate independently within designated areas without human input. During the trial phase, safety officers are on board the AVs, with the plan to shift to fully autonomous remote operation as testing progresses. The programme is designed to assess vehicle performance, safety, and environmental adaptability under the UAE’s specific climate and infrastructure.
Masdar City, home to the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, remains a proving ground for next-generation sustainable mobility solutions. By integrating cutting-edge transportation technologies into its urban ecosystem, the city reinforces its position as a global clean-tech hub, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The proof-of-concept phase not only validates the technology’s feasibility but also supports Abu Dhabi’s broader objective of developing a flexible and future-ready transport model that enhances urban competitiveness and aligns with the emirate’s vision for smart cities and low-carbon infrastructure.
The AV trials build on Masdar City’s legacy of innovation, following the launch of its first-generation autonomous vehicle programme in 2010. Today, the city continues to accelerate clean mobility initiatives through partnerships, regulatory support, and infrastructure integration, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable urban development.
–Input WAM
