Abu Dhabi has taken a step towards fostering innovation in the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) with the launch of a global cluster in Masdar City.
To further support this emerging sector, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is collaborating with key local regulatory authorities, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and Abu Dhabi Maritime, WAM said in a statement.
In a bid to accelerate the innovation and commercialisation of SAVI applications, Abu Dhabi is creating a comprehensive regulatory service that acts as a one-stop-shop for certification, licensing, authorisations, and intellectual property management.
This initiative is expected to attract global players and facilitate the adoption of smart and autonomous applications in the UAE and beyond.
“Regulation is of utmost importance when it comes to disruptive technologies, and we are setting the standard for simplifying and progressing regulatory enablement by bringing together stakeholders to support the development of a thriving smart and autonomous vehicle industry cluster,” Badr Al Olama, Acting Director-General of ADIO said.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, also highlighted the role of transportation in advancing the country’s capabilities in smart and future cities technology, and said: “The General Civil Aviation Authority is committed to creating a supportive environment for the adoption and integration of smart and future mobility technologies in the aviation sector.”
“Supporting the growth of smart and autonomous vehicle applications on water is in line with Abu Dhabi Maritime’s mission to support economic growth,” Capt. Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster of AD Ports Group added, highlighting the focus on safety and sustainability in supporting smart and autonomous vehicle applications on water.
The collaborative efforts of ADDED and ADIO have resulted in the creation of a fully integrated SAVI cluster, encompassing the design, testing, and manufacturing of smart and autonomous transportation and mobility vehicles.
This cluster is aimed at providing cutting-edge facilities, services, and regulatory support to stimulate innovation and commercialisation in the autonomous vehicle technology sector in the UAE, unlocking its global potential.