While Gulf nations increasingly focus on the future of transport, they continue to adopt new ways to integrate autonomous and smart vehicles on their roads. 

UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, has revealed plans to launch a center dedicated to the autonomous vehicle industry and aims to add up to $33 billion to the UAE economy.

Endorsed by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the project will also look to create between 30,000 to 50,000 jobs. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s goals to position itself as a leader in advanced industries and cutting-edge technology while also transitioning to clean and sustainable industries.

The Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster in Abu Dhabi will develop driverless air, land, and sea vehicles, focusing on strengthening the emirate’s aviation and aerospace infrastructures.

In July, the UAE cabinet granted the first preliminary national license for autonomous cars to China-based WeRide, expecting to test the vehicles on the country’s roads. Before receiving the license, WeRide’s Robotaxi underwent successful public testing.

Meanwhile, digital maps are being created in Dubai to prepare for the debut of self-driving vehicles on the city’s roads. In April, the emirate issued a law to delegate regulation of driverless vehicles to the Road and Transport Authority.