Abu Dhabi launches Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI) cluster

Abu Dhabi has launched the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster  at Masdar City.

The SAVI cluster aims to position Abu Dhabi as a leading smart and autonomous vehicles hub. It will support innovation and the commercialisation of smart and autonomous vehicle technologies in the country, providing advanced facilities and value-added services within an enabling regulatory environment.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: “Abu Dhabi is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in advancing technology and commercialisation within the smart and autonomous vehicles sector.

“SAVI is projected to contribute Dhs90-120bn to the UAE economy and generate 30,000-50,000 jobs, which will create an extended ripple effect benefitting various sectors, and taking our smart, diversified, sustainable Falcon Economy to new heights.”

The launch of the SAVI cluster follows Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS), launched by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, in June 2022, that aims to leverage advanced technologies to harmonise human development, sustainability, and growth.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) are spearheading the development of SAVI covering the design, testing, and manufacturing of applications for transportation and mobility, as well as to service other sectors such as logistics. SAVI will build on the strength of Abu Dhabi’s industrial base and leverage its unparalleled access to established air corridors, road infrastructure and global network of partners.

SAVI cluster to bring together stakeholders from around the world

The SAVI cluster will attract companies from all around the world, enable access to funding and investments, facilitate and fund innovation, streamline regulatory services and accelerate the adoption of future urban and mobility services.

It will host academia, test zones, R&D labs, testing and certification facilities, large scale workshops, hangars, manufacturing facilities, connected through Abu Dhabi’s global logistics network. Underpinning all operations are the local regulators establishing an enabling regulatory framework across air, land, and sea applications. These include the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Integrated Transport Centre and Abu Dhabi Maritime.

Three dedicated test zones, provided through ADIO’s partnerships with Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP), Miral and Maqta Gateway, part of AD Ports Group’s Digital Cluster, will enable companies to test and certify applications across air, land and sea. Enabling testing, TIP will make available its Nibras Aerospace Park, runway facilities, and an aerospace park for testing and manufacturing companies. The land testing zone in Yas Island, home to F1’s Yas Marina Circuit, offers an established road mobility test bed with a growing number of incorporated technology startups. The sea testing zone in Mussafah Port houses a port and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.

As the UAE prepares to host COP28, the launch of Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster will also help to accelerate the adoption of green mobility services and propel the country and wider world towards a zero-emissions future.

SAVI has been launched on an immediate scale.

Regulatory processes

ADIO is working with four regulators to establish an enabling environment for SAVI applications. These include the ADDED, GCAA, Integrated Transport Centre, and Abu Dhabi Maritime.

Abu Dhabi will create a one-stop-shop regulatory service for certification, licensing, authorisations and intellectual property (IP) management. Comprehensive, growth-enabling regulatory support will be a key factor in attracting key global players and promoting the adoption of future smart and autonomous applications in the UAE and beyond.

Badr Al Olama, acting director-general of Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said, “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.”

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of GCAA, 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, in line with the country’s commitment to move towards a more adaptable economic model that prioritises sustainability and future readiness.”