Blitz Bureau
In another step towards UAE’s broader vision for smart mobility, Masdar city has tested autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Solutions+ and under the oversight of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).
The project demonstrates the emirate’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future through cutting-edge technology and underlines the role of Masdar City, a global hub for clean technology and home to the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, in further advancing autonomous transport, reported WAM. It said Level 4 automation is a significant leap in AV technology as it enables the vehicle to operate entirely on its own within a specific geofenced zone.
Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, said, “The announcement of level 4 testing marks a substantial leap forward in AV capabilities and we are proud that Masdar City is once again leading the field in the development of such a critical future technology. The initiative also aligns perfectly with our vision to shape the cities of the future through innovation, digital integration and environmental responsibility.”
Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said, “This initiative marks a key milestone in Abu Dhabi’s vision to embrace future transport technologies and reaffirms our commitment to providing an integrated regulatory environment that supports innovation and accelerates the adoption of smart mobility solutions. We are working to enable a sustainable and flexible transport model that enhances the emirate’s competitiveness and supports its ambition to become a global hub for smart cities and sustainable mobility.”
Ali Alyafei, Chief Operations Officer at Solutions+, stated, “Partnering with Masdar City allows us to test our level 4 autonomous vehicles in a unique, real-world environment that combines cutting-edge infrastructure with a strong commitment to sustainability. This collaboration not only helps refine our technology but also demonstrates how innovative mobility solutions can contribute to building smarter, more efficient urban ecosystems aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”
The ‘proof of concept’ phase is an opportunity to monitor the technology’s performance amid the realworld infrastructure and specific climatic conditions of the UAE, delivering invaluable insights for the global development of autonomous transportation.
