Abu Dhabi is set to become home to the Middle East’s first dedicated autonomous vehicle testing centre, following an announcement by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) during DRIFTx 2025, part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week.
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Hub, developed under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), will be created in partnership with Space42, Masdar City and Emirates Driving Company.
Phase one, covering design and feasibility studies, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The hub will provide a world-class ecosystem for testing, validating and certifying autonomous vehicle technologies, supporting the UAE’s drive towards innovation, digital transformation and sustainability. The facility will replicate a range of real-world driving environments, including urban, suburban and mixed-use areas, allowing comprehensive evaluation of autonomous systems in different operational conditions.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the ITC, said: “Establishing the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub for smart and autonomous mobility is a significant step towards a fully integrated ecosystem for developing and deploying self-driving technologies to the highest standards of safety and innovation. This project reflects a strategic collaboration across the public, private and academic sectors, and underscores the Integrated Transport Centre’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s drive to lead the region in smart transport and autonomous mobility systems.”
The facility will integrate advanced sensing networks, real-time data analytics and digital twin capabilities to ensure seamless connection with Abu Dhabi’s transport management platforms, including the Autonomous Vehicles Integrated Testing, Operations and Management System (AViTOMS).
Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, said: “Masdar City serves as a testbed for innovation and sustainable urban development where autonomy moves from concept to reality. This is the Falcon Economy in action, accelerating the future of intelligent mobility and positioning Abu Dhabi as the region’s centre of gravity for smart transport across air, land and sea.”
Khalid Al Shemeili, CEO of Emirates Driving Company, said the initiative aligned with the company’s long-term vision for smart mobility. He noted the company’s collaboration with ITC since 2021 on training and vehicle inspections and welcomed the opportunity to continue contributing to the sector’s development.
Beyond testing, the hub will serve as a training and research platform, developing skills in autonomous mobility and fostering collaboration between government, academia and industry. The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global leader in smart transport technology and a key driver of innovation in the digital economy.
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