Abu Dhabi is set to host the inaugural Autonomous Summit on 10th November 2025 at the Vehicle Dynamic Area, Yas Marina Circuit. Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the summit will kick off Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW), running from 10th to 15th November. The event aims to bring together global leaders and experts to discuss the future of smart and autonomous mobility.
A Vision for Innovation and Sustainability
The summit is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the council’s mission:
“The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council strives to accelerate sustainable transformation in the autonomous systems sector, ensuring their safe and efficient operation so that Abu Dhabi becomes a global model of innovation and an advanced hub leading the field of cutting-edge technologies.”
Key Topics and Industry Focus
The summit’s program will cover a broad range of topics critical to advancing autonomous technologies. Discussions will include the integration of air, land, and sea mobility for smart cities, scaling public transport models, AI governance, public trust in autonomous systems, and industrial applications for smart ports and cities. Attendees will also explore investment opportunities, innovation scaling, and talent development needed to sustain this growing sector.
Week-Long Autonomous Tech Showcase
Alongside the summit, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week will feature several exciting events:
- DRIFTx (10th-12th November) will display live smart mobility solutions across land, sea, air, and robotics in an interactive exhibition.
- RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 (10th-15th November), hosted by Khalifa University, will bring top international teams to the MENA region for AI-driven autonomous robotics competitions.
- Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will conclude the week on 15th November, showcasing the latest in autonomous racing technology with a US$2.25 million prize pool and participation from elite research teams across 10 countries.
Abu Dhabi’s Commitment to Autonomous Innovation
The launch of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week reflects the emirate’s dedication to building a competitive and collaborative innovation ecosystem. The initiative focuses on improving efficiency, connectivity, and quality of life through safe and sustainable autonomous technology deployment, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in this futuristic field.
