Masdar City has launched the testing phase for Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) in partnership with Solutions+, a Mubadala company specializing in smart mobility.
The milestone forms a key part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) strategy and is overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). The project marks a significant step toward realizing Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for sustainable, smart mobility.
The initiative involves the registration, testing, and operational approval of Level 4 AVs, ensuring all vehicles meet rigorous safety and regulatory standards.
The trials not only demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to next-generation transport technologies but also reinforce Masdar City’s role as a global hub for clean tech and smart mobility innovation, particularly through its Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster.
A major leap in autonomy
Level 4 automation allows vehicles to operate entirely without human intervention within a defined, geofenced area. Masdar City offers an ideal real-world testbed for this advanced technology, inviting global AV manufacturers to pilot their systems in its integrated urban environment.
During the proof-of-concept phase, the AVs are operating along a 2.4-kilometer route, connecting key destinations such as Siemens Building, North Car Park, My City Center Masdar Mall, and Central Park.
The route also passes prominent Masdar City landmarks, including the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) headquarters, MC2, and The Link.
Initially, the vehicles will have safety officers onboard, but as testing progresses, they will transition to fully autonomous operations monitored remotely from a centralized control room.
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO 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.
“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: “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+, said: “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.”
Tailored testing for local conditions
Masdar City’s unique environment offers valuable insights into how AVs perform under the UAE’s specific infrastructure and climatic conditions.
The tests are designed to evaluate performance, safety, and adaptability, helping manufacturers optimize their systems for eventual deployment across the region.
The testing phase will also ensure the technology aligns with UAE operational infrastructure and complies with all relevant Abu Dhabi government regulations before any broader rollout.
Advancing clean tech and smart mobility
The latest initiative builds on Masdar City’s long-standing commitment to autonomous mobility, dating back to the introduction of the first generation of AVs in 2010. Today, Masdar City continues to lead the charge in sustainable urban development, serving as a living laboratory for clean-tech solutions and next-generation transport.
The trials underscore the city’s ambition to become a driving force in the development of future mobility, both regionally and globally. Through its Smart Mobility Cluster, Masdar City is helping to accelerate innovation, attract global partners, and shape the next frontier of sustainable urban transportation.
