Abu Dhabi Launches MENA’s First Autonomous Public Bus Trial
Abu Dhabi has taken another step toward a driverless future with plans to launch the Middle East and North Africa’s first autonomous public bus trial. The initiative is supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and involves collaboration between the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and Lumo, a UAE-based company specializing in autonomous transport technologies.
The project builds on an ongoing partnership focused on developing smart mobility solutions and autonomous driving technologies across the emirate. Moreover, the collaboration began after discussions between the two organizations during GITEX Global 2025. As part of recent meetings, representatives reviewed successful international autonomous transport projects and explored opportunities for pilot programs and technical studies.
Supporting Long-Term Transport Goals
The proposed trial forms part of broader efforts to accelerate the adoption of smart and autonomous transport systems. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the Abu Dhabi Smart and Autonomous Mobility Strategy, which targets smart and autonomous transportation accounting for 25 percent of all journeys in the emirate by 2040.
His Excellency Hamad Adel Al Afeefi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transport Systems Sector at Abu Dhabi Mobility, said that the collaboration demonstrates the organization’s commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in smart mobility and autonomous transportation.
“This collaboration reflects the Integrated Transport Centre’s commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in smart mobility and autonomous transport systems through the deployment of innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of the public transport network and improve quality of life,” His Excellency noted.
Al Afeefi added that, “The autonomous bus trial represents a strategic milestone towards a future driven by advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in the operation and management of transport services, fully aligned with the emirate’s ambitions for sustainability and innovation.”
Building a Regional Innovation Hub
The partnership also aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a center for advanced technology and mobility innovation. Consequently, the project could support wider adoption of autonomous transport solutions across the region.
Sean Teo, Chief Executive Officer of Lumo, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s future mobility vision through expertise in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and transport operations.
“Lumo is committed to Abu Dhabi’s future mobility agenda by applying its expertise in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and transport operations to develop practical and scalable mobility solutions,” the CEO remarked.
Teo noted that, “This meeting builds on the strategic partnership between the Integrated Transport Centre and Lumo, with a shared objective to advance pioneering projects in smart mobility and autonomous systems, and to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovation and advanced technology.”
