Abu Dhabi is taking a major step toward becoming a global hub for autonomous transport with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub, the first facility of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

Announced by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and developed in collaboration with Space42, Masdar City, and Emirates Driving Company, the project aims to accelerate the testing, validation, and certification of autonomous vehicle technologies in the UAE.

The initiative was unveiled during DRIFTx 2025, part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC). Under the agreement, phase one will focus on studies and design work, set for completion by the end of 2026, laying the groundwork for a fully integrated testing and innovation ecosystem for self-driving technologies.

The hub will serve as a cornerstone for building national expertise in autonomous systems, providing an advanced testing environment that replicates real-world driving conditions across urban, suburban, and mixed-use areas. Equipped with digital twin capabilities, advanced sensing networks, and real-time data analytics, the facility will integrate with Abu Dhabi’s Autonomous Vehicles Integrated Testing, Operations and Management System (AViTOMS) and broader traffic management platforms to enhance safety and decision-making.

According to Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the ITC, the project marks a major milestone in creating a fully integrated ecosystem for developing and deploying self-driving technologies. “This reflects a strategic collaboration across the public, private, and academic sectors and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the region in smart and autonomous mobility systems,” he said.

Masdar City CEO Ahmed Baghoum emphasized the hub’s alignment with Abu Dhabi’s innovation agenda, describing it as part of the emirate’s “Falcon Economy” — a symbol of the UAE’s forward-looking approach to intelligent mobility. “Masdar City serves as a testbed where autonomy moves from concept to reality,” he said.

The project also underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, strengthening national capabilities in autonomous technology development, testing, and training. It will create a platform for research collaboration, skills development, and partnerships with global manufacturers, startups, and universities to pilot and scale smart mobility solutions.

With progressive regulation, advanced infrastructure, and growing public-private collaboration, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as the region’s leading destination for smart transport — blending safety, sustainability, and digital transformation.