Masdar City
Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City has officially started testing autonomous vehicles to promote sustainable urban transportation.
The first vehicle undergoing testing is a shuttle-style electric vehicle equipped with advanced sensors, electronic components and upgraded software, which enables it to navigate obstacles, detect other vehicles, and drive independently.
The trials begin a series of tests featuring vehicles from global companies as the city plans to deploy a fleet of seven advanced autonomous vehicles to align with its zero-emission transportation goals.
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, said testing diverse self-driving technologies will help identify the best solutions for the community and beyond.
Solution+, the official fleet operator, will oversee operations amid the city’s growing autonomous vehicle network.
Masdar City is home to the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (Savi), a zone dedicated to developing and deploying next-generation transport.
In 2010, the city became the first in the world to implement a fully autonomous and green personal rapid transit system.
The city’s long-term plans include a research and development hub for autonomous taxis and expanding transportation infrastructure to include tram and train stations.
These initiatives align with the UAE’s net zero by 2050 strategy to decarbonise urban transportation.
