Masdar City has started testing Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) in collaboration with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company.
This initiative is part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) strategic plan to advance smart mobility solutions.
The initiative, overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), encompasses the registration, testing, and operational approval of autonomous vehicles, with a strong emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and alignment with Abu Dhabi’s broader smart mobility vision.
The project showcases the emirate’s commitment to promoting innovation and harnessing cutting-edge technology to shape the future. It also reinforces Masdar City’s position as a global hub for clean technology and the home of the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, playing a key role in advancing autonomous transportation.
Masdar City Opens Real-World Testbed for Level 4 AVs
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. Masdar City is offering a real-world testbed for advanced sustainable mobility by inviting global manufacturers to test their level 4 AVs in its integrated urban ecosystem.
Ahmed Baghoum CEO – Masdar City
“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. By collaborating with partners like Solutions+, we are not only advancing autonomous vehicle technology but also contributing to a more sustainable and efficient urban landscape for all.”
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said that, “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.”
“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,” noted Ali Alyafei, Chief Operations Officer at Solutions+.
Image credits: Masdar City | Cropped by GBN
Masdar City Leads in AV Safety and Performance Testing
The proof-of-concept phase is an opportunity to monitor the technology’s performance amid the real-world infrastructure and specific climatic conditions of the UAE, delivering invaluable insights for the global development of autonomous transportation.
The vehicles are following a comprehensive 2.4km test route that links several important locations, such as the Siemens building, North Car Park, My City Centre Masdar mall, and Central Park, navigating past prominent landmarks including the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters, MC2, and The Link. The AVs initially have safety officers onboard but will transition to fully autonomous operation from a centralised remote-control room as the programme progresses.
The testing will enable AVs to be modified in line with the UAE’s requirements and operational infrastructure. Masdar City will assess performance, safety, and adaptability during testing before considering wider deployment in line with Abu Dhabi Government regulations.
This initiative underscores Masdar City’s leadership in accelerating change and innovation through its Smart Mobility Cluster. By serving as a testbed for cutting-edge technologies, Masdar City is helping to shape the future of sustainable urban transportation and positioning itself as a key enabler of clean-tech advancements.
The trials are the latest milestone in the urban sustainability hub’s commitment to the development of AVs, with the introduction of the first generation of vehicles in 2010.
