Driverless cars, safer roads: How Abu Dhabi robo-taxis are changing city life
A robotaxi arrived at a hotel in Yas Island. No driver, no steering wheel turn, just straight acceleration as passengers settle in their seats. The scene, once the exclusive domain of tech expos, unfolds every day across Abu Dhabi as autonomous vehicles there have completed 30,000 trips and officials prepare for their expansion throughout the city streets.
It will be showcased during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, which takes place from November 10-15 and is being hosted under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to promote its deployment beyond tourist areas on residential roads.
In Abu Dhabi, 44 driverless cars are used around Yas Island, Saadiyat and Masdar City. I Earlier this year, service to Al Reem and Al Maryah Island was launched tripling the size of the fleet over 12 months. The goal for officials is to see one in four trips by 2040 on autonomous transportation. Whether driverless taxis, smart buses, or delivery robots, it will all be organized via apps — booking rides and taking care of payments for you.
“ICT-driven smart and autonomous mobility services are creating enormous potential for Abu Dhabi’s residents and businesses, including more efficient and safer transportation, reduced congestion and the generation of a new business model in sectors such as logistics, insurance, data service,”-abdulla hamad almarzouqi alghfeli-”Dr. Abdulla Hamad Al Ghfeli, Director General of Abu Dhabis integrated traffic centre.
There are 94 per cent of road accidents caused by human ‘mistakes’, worldwide. ITC control centers monitor via technology and eliminate those variables in Abu Dhabi's strategy. It's got trained safety operators in every vehicle and goes through international certification before I can throw it on the roads.
“Before any vehicle hits Abu Dhabi streets, we ensure that it is thoroughly tested according to international regulations and validated by independent certifications with local safety authorities’ endorsement,” Dr AlGhfeli explained. “It is only when a vehicle proves itself to be the most reliable and robust do we let it go into a wider adoption process.”
The benefits extend beyond safety. The Al Reem mom could call up an autonomous taxi to take her elderly parents to the doctor. Elderly and disabled people gain freedom without a license or driving skill. On-demand logistics companies conduct 24/7 deliveries with no driver exhaustion.
“The logistics industry will benefit from more efficient delivery solutions, that cost less and are more reliable,” Dr AlGhfeli added. ”Specifically, families, seniors and others of determination will benefit from increased accessibility and independence,” he added, underscoring inclusivity for the community.
Existing rollout in tourist destinations will eventually spread to difficult urban environments over the next three to five years as technology becomes reliable and public trust is built.
“Services are already operating in marquee locations like Yas Island, Saadiyat and Masdar City,” Dr. AlGhfeli said. “Within the next three to five years, year by year we will see this deployment of autonomous mobility in Abu Dhabi under ITC’s regulatory oversight with safety validations and continuous technology advancement,” he added.
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week is intended to show off this vision. The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit on November 10 will feature top policy and investment leaders. DRIFTx exhibition (Nov 10-12) will showcase self-governing solutions for land, sea, air and robotics. RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 marks the first time AI-powered robotics competitions have been held in MENA. The week ends with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League.
The emirate’s autonomous strategy is organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and formed by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
“ITC is proud to support all aspects of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week and be part of an event that mirrors the Emirate’s forward-looking vision and will establish a global platform for partnerships,” noted Dr AlGhfeli. We stamp openness to innovation, commitment to safety and sustainability; and readiness for the future.
The transformation is evident to the residents of Abu Dhabi. Self-driving taxis use roads they have driven on daily. It won’t even take five years and ordering a driverless ride will not seem futuristic-it will just be the way the city gets around.
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