The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the testing of autonomous and remotely operated small marine vessels across the emirate.
The framework has been developed in coordination with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), the authority responsible for regulating and overseeing Abu Dhabi’s transport sector.
Issued under Administrative Decision No. (17) of 2026, the Manual of Requirements and Controls for Testing Autonomous Marine Crafts establishes a regulatory framework for the safe testing of emerging maritime technologies while supporting innovation in the sector.
The manual ensures that testing activities protect maritime navigation, human life, property, and the marine environment, while aligning with international regulatory standards and global best practices.
The new framework introduces a mandatory permitting system governing all testing activities, requiring compliance with defined operational procedures and technical controls.
It outlines the responsibilities of permit applicants and marine craft operators and establishes structured processes to ensure testing is conducted safely and without disrupting existing maritime operations.
The manual also requires operators to maintain appropriate insurance coverage and implement cybersecurity measures as part of the testing process.
According to the Department of Municipalities and Transport, these provisions create a transparent and predictable regulatory environment for technology developers, investors, and maritime stakeholders while supporting the adoption of advanced marine technologies.
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) will continue to oversee implementation of the framework through its regulatory and supervisory role, ensuring compliance with the established requirements and the integration of autonomous marine technologies into Abu Dhabi’s broader transport ecosystem.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli Acting Director General Integrated Transport Centre
“The issuance of this regulatory framework represents a qualitative leap toward enabling future technologies and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in adopting smart and sustainable mobility solutions, as we aim through our regulatory and supervisory role at the center to foster a comprehensive testing and incubator environment that stimulates innovation, ensures the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency within our waterways, and supports our journey toward building an advanced maritime transport ecosystem that meets the emirate’s long-term economic and technological aspirations.”
The manual complements the emirate’s wider maritime regulatory framework, including Administrative Decision No. (69) of 2025, which introduced a unified bylaw covering maritime safety, operational standards, environmental protection, and stakeholder responsibilities across Abu Dhabi’s waterways.
The regulation was implemented through ongoing coordination between the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and Abu Dhabi Maritime.
