Abu Dhabi’s sustainable urban development Masdar City has initiated testing of autonomous vehicles. The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
The first phase of testing features an electric shuttle equipped with LIDAR sensors and advanced software capabilities, enabling autonomous navigation and obstacle detection.
This initial deployment is part of a broader plan to introduce a fleet of seven autonomous vehicles, carefully selected through comprehensive testing programs.
Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative: “These tests mark a significant step toward creating a truly sustainable transportation ecosystem. By collaborating with global innovators, we aim to position Masdar City as a global benchmark for zero-emission autonomous mobility.”
The project builds upon Masdar City’s pioneering history in autonomous transportation, which began in 2010 when it became the world’s first city to implement a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system – a fully autonomous, electric transportation solution.
Solution+, appointed as the official fleet operator, will manage operations within the city’s expanding autonomous vehicle network. The initiative is being developed within Masdar City’s Mobility Cluster, which serves as a hub for sustainable and autonomous mobility innovation.
The cluster works in conjunction with the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) center, facilitating collaboration between global industry leaders, regulators, and innovators.
The autonomous vehicle testing program aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and forms part of Masdar City’s broader vision for sustainable urban development. Future plans include establishing an R&D hub for autonomous taxis and expanding transportation infrastructure to include tram and train stations.
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