The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), announced on Wednesday the development of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Hub, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa. The project is being delivered in collaboration with Space42, Masdar City and Emirates Driving Company.

The announcement was made during DRIFTx 2025, held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW) organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) in Abu Dhabi. The Integrated Transport Centre signed a cooperation agreement with the three partners to develop the project. Phase one will cover studies and design work, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, paving the way for an advanced and fully integrated facility dedicated to autonomous driving technologies in the UAE.

This initiative reaffirms Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination for smart mobility and autonomous systems, underpinned by progressive regulation and advanced infrastructure that drive digital transformation, innovation and sustainability across the transport sector.