Masdar City, UAE has launched testing of Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) as part of a broader strategy led by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and in partnership with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company.
The project is being overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), with a focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and alignment with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for smart and sustainable mobility.
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Level 4 automation represents a significant advancement in autonomous technology, allowing vehicles to operate independently within a specific geofenced area.
The ongoing trials in Masdar City are designed to assess the performance and adaptability of these systems in a real-world environment, including local infrastructure and climate conditions.
Masdar City, a global hub for clean technology and home to the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, is serving as a live testbed for the project. The city’s integrated urban ecosystem offers global manufacturers the opportunity to trial advanced AVs in a setting built to support innovation and sustainable mobility.
The initiative supports the UAE’s wider efforts to become a leader in future transport technologies and to develop a flexible, low-emission transport model.
It also contributes to the country’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, by demonstrating how digital integration and smart infrastructure can enhance urban efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
As part of the trial, vehicles are operating along a dedicated 2.4-kilometre test route that connects key locations within Masdar City, including the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall, and Central Park.
The route passes significant landmarks such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) headquarters, MC2, and The Link.
Initially, vehicles are being monitored with safety officers on board. As the programme progresses and performance data is analysed, the operation is expected to shift to full autonomy managed from a centralised remote control room.
This phased approach allows for continuous monitoring and system optimisation in line with UAE operational requirements.
The proof-of-concept phase is expected to provide valuable insights into vehicle behaviour, safety performance, and integration with existing infrastructure. These findings will inform potential future deployment across Abu Dhabi, subject to regulatory approval.
The trials build on Masdar City’s earlier work in autonomous transport, including the introduction of its first generation of AVs in 2010. With this latest initiative, Masdar City reinforces its position as a key enabler of clean technology innovation and a leader in the development of future-ready urban mobility solutions.
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