Masdar City Begins Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle Trials in Abu Dhabi
Masdar City has initiated on-ground trials of level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs), reinforcing its position as a leader in smart mobility innovation. This new phase of testing is conducted in collaboration with smart mobility provider Solutions+, a Mubadala company, and is backed by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).
Level 4 automation enables vehicles to operate without human intervention within a defined area. Therefore, this development marks a major step forward in driverless technology. By allowing AVs to function autonomously in real conditions, Masdar City provides a controlled environment ideal for advancing sustainable mobility solutions.
Currently, these vehicles operate with onboard safety officers along a 2.4km route. This path includes major city landmarks like the Siemens building, Central Park, and My City Centre Masdar mall. As the trials advance, these AVs will transition to fully autonomous operation, monitored remotely.
Stakeholders Highlight Vision and Innovation
Ahmed Baghoum, CEO of Masdar City, stated:
“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.”
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, emphasized:
“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+, added:
“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.”
Driving Forward Sustainable Urban Mobility
The new trial builds upon Masdar City’s early adoption of driverless vehicles, first introduced in 2010. Notably, this effort aligns with the UAE’s broader Net Zero by 2050 goals. By encouraging international AV manufacturers to trial their technology in its integrated smart ecosystem, Masdar City strengthens its role as a global testing ground for clean-tech and future-forward urban transport.
In conclusion, the initiative demonstrates how strategic collaboration and innovation can accelerate smart mobility solutions. As testing progresses, Masdar City is well-positioned to influence the future of autonomous transport in sustainable cities worldwide.
