Abu Dhabi: Masdar City begins testing autonomous vehicles

Masdar City, a global hub for innovation and sustainability, has officially begun testing autonomous vehicles as part of its ongoing efforts to drive sustainable urban transportation.

The announcement, made during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), reflects Masdar City’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in clean and connected future mobility.

As the ‘Strategic Partner’ of the World Future Energy Summit, Masdar City is showcasing its autonomous vehicle initiative, which aligns with the city’s broader vision to create a more sustainable and integrated urban mobility ecosystem. The project marks another milestone in the city’s efforts to promote zero-emission transportation solutions and accelerate the development of autonomous technologies in urban settings.

The first vehicle undergoing testing is a shuttle-style electric vehicle equipped with advanced LIDAR sensors, electronic components, and innovative software. These technologies enable the vehicle to independently navigate obstacles, detect other vehicles, and drive autonomously.

The ongoing trials represent the first phase of a broader testing programme that will feature vehicles from multiple global brands. Masdar City plans to deploy a fleet of seven autonomous vehicles based on the results of these tests, reinforcing its zero-emission transportation objectives.

“These tests mark a significant step toward creating a truly sustainable transportation ecosystem,” said Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City. “By collaborating with global innovators, we aim to position Masdar City as a global benchmark for zero-emission autonomous mobility. Testing a diverse range of self-driving technologies will help us identify the best solutions for our community and beyond.”

Read: Masdar City’s Mohamed Al Breiki on its net-zero journey

Autonomous vehicle testing is part of Masdar City’s larger strategy

The autonomous vehicle initiative is part of Masdar City’s larger strategy to build a comprehensive fleet that aligns with the city’s zero-emission transportation goals. The fleet’s operations will be managed by Solution+, the official fleet operator, which is partnering with Masdar City to oversee the operations and expansion of its autonomous vehicle network.

The Mobility Cluster at Masdar City serves as the nerve centre for advancing sustainable and autonomous mobility solutions. It brings together global industry leaders, regulators, and innovators to collaborate on developing cutting-edge technologies designed to transform urban transportation. This ecosystem also includes the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI), which plays a key role in research, development, and the deployment of next-generation mobility solutions tailored to the Middle East’s unique environment.

“The Mobility Cluster and SAVI initiative are pivotal in ensuring we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to autonomous and sustainable mobility,” said Baghoum. “This ecosystem fosters collaboration, facilitates the testing of new concepts, and accelerates the deployment of transformative solutions that can be adapted to the region’s climate and infrastructure needs.”

Masdar City’s leadership in autonomous mobility dates back to 2010, when it became the first city in the world to implement the personal rapid transit (PRT) system, a fully autonomous, electric transportation solution. The introduction of autonomous vehicles today further builds upon this legacy and sets the stage for the next generation of smart and sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Looking ahead, its plans extend beyond autonomous vehicles, aiming to establish a research and development hub focused on autonomous taxis, along with expanding its transportation infrastructure to include tram and train stations.

These initiatives are in line with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 strategy, positioning Masdar City as a leader in global efforts to decarbonise urban transport.

“The integration of autonomous vehicles is part of Masdar City’s broader commitment to creating a fully integrated ecosystem of sustainable solutions,” added Baghoum. “By advancing autonomous mobility, we are not just addressing the transportation needs of today, but paving the way for the cleaner, greener cities of tomorrow.”