Abu Dhabi’s futuristic move: Level 4 self‑driving cars roll out in Masdar City

Image credit: WAM/Website

Masdar City has launched real-world testing of Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) in partnership with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company. The initiative is being overseen by Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and marks a significant step forward in the emirate’s efforts to become a global hub for sustainable and innovative transport.

The project involves the registration, testing, and operational approval of Level 4 AVs, ensuring full compliance with safety standards and aligning with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a smarter, more connected transport network, a WAM report said.

Read-Timeline revealed: Driverless Ubers to hit Dubai roads

Level 4 automation allows vehicles to operate independently within a geofenced area, without the need for driver intervention. Masdar City, known for its sustainability credentials and technological innovation, is offering itself as a testbed for the emerging technology, welcoming global AV manufacturers to trial their solutions within the city’s urban ecosystem.

Strategic move toward sustainable transport

The initiative highlights Masdar City’s growing role as a clean-tech and smart mobility leader. It is home to the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, furthering Abu Dhabi’s ambition to develop future-ready cities through cutting-edge technologies.

Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, commented on the development, saying, “The announcement of Level 4 testing marks a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities. We are proud that Masdar City is once again leading the way in the development of this critical technology. This initiative aligns with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration, and environmental responsibility.”

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, echoed the sentiment, calling it a milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey toward embracing future mobility. “This initiative reaffirms our commitment to supporting innovation through a flexible regulatory environment. We are enabling a sustainable transport model that strengthens the emirate’s global competitiveness,” he said.

Testing in a real-world urban ecosystem

The proof-of-concept phase involves a 2.4-kilometre route within Masdar City. The AVs are currently navigating a loop that links key landmarks such as the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall, Central Park, and others, passing by the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2, and The Link.

Initially, safety officers are stationed onboard the vehicles. However, as the trials progress, full autonomous control will be managed remotely from a centralized operations room. The testing will help refine AV technology to meet UAE-specific operational and regulatory needs, especially in response to local infrastructure and climate conditions.

Ali Alyafei, Chief Operations Officer at Solutions+, said the collaboration is crucial for refining the technology. “Partnering with Masdar City allows us to test Level 4 AVs in a real-world environment that blends advanced infrastructure with a strong sustainability focus. This collaboration not only sharpens our solutions but also supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”

Performance, safety, and adaptability will be rigorously assessed during the testing phase. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for broader deployment of autonomous vehicles across the capital, in line with future government regulations.

A decade-long commitment to AV innovation

Masdar City’s latest trials continue a long-standing commitment to autonomous mobility. The city introduced its first-generation AVs in 2010 and has since evolved into a regional innovation hub for sustainable urban solutions. This latest initiative, led through its Smart Mobility Cluster, underscores its mission to accelerate the adoption of clean and intelligent transportation systems.

By positioning itself as a real-world testing ground, Masdar City is not only contributing to the development of global AV standards but also reinforcing the UAE’s role as a front-runner in the smart cities space.