Abu Dhabi launches central control room to oversee autonomous vehicles, signs major smart mobility deals
New facility enables real-time monitoring and rapid emergency response
ABU DHABI – The rapid evolution of autonomous transport in Abu Dhabi has entered a new phase with the launch of a dedicated central control room designed to oversee and regulate driverless vehicle operations across the emirate.
The new facility combines real-time monitoring, data analysis and emergency response capabilities to strengthen safety and operational efficiency as autonomous mobility services continue to expand.
The announcement coincided with a series of strategic agreements aimed at accelerating innovation in smart transport, advanced aviation, digital mapping and sustainable infrastructure.
Control room
Operating under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), officially inaugurated the central control room in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan and Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT.
The new facility has been established to provide direct oversight of autonomous vehicle operations while strengthening regulation through advanced technologies capable of real-time monitoring, data-driven analysis and decision support. Abu Dhabi Mobility said the initiative reflects the growing importance of robust regulatory systems as autonomous transport services expand across the emirate.
According to the authority, the control room enables continuous monitoring of autonomous vehicle movements while ensuring operations remain aligned with approved schedules and regulatory requirements. It also allows rapid responses to operational issues and emergency situations in line with established procedures, supporting higher standards of road safety.
The facility is equipped with advanced monitoring systems, including a centralised supervision platform and the Autonomous Vehicle Integration and Testing Operations Management System (AViTOMS). Through this platform, operators can track vehicle locations, speeds and routes in real time, record and analyse journeys, coordinate emergency responses with relevant authorities and generate data-driven reports to improve route planning and operational performance.
The platform also manages permit applications and approvals for autonomous vehicle routes, providing a single system for both operational oversight and regulatory administration.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, described the launch as a major milestone in Abu Dhabi's regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.
He said the growing adoption of smart mobility technologies requires advanced supervisory systems capable of continuous monitoring and efficient risk management. According to AlGhfeli, the control room combines technical capabilities with regulatory oversight to strengthen the emirate's readiness for autonomous transport while reinforcing public confidence and road safety.
Hamad Adel Al Afeefi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Sector, said the initiative reflects Abu Dhabi Mobility's transition towards an integrated digital services model that further strengthens Abu Dhabi's position in the smart transport sector.
The control room will oversee all autonomous vehicle services operated by licensed providers across the emirate, supporting the sector's continued expansion while ensuring operations meet the highest safety and efficiency standards.
Strategic deals
Alongside the launch, Abu Dhabi Mobility announced several partnerships with government and private sector organisations to broaden the emirate's smart and autonomous mobility ecosystem.
Sponsored by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Abu Dhabi Mobility signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the UAE's capabilities in designing, certifying and manufacturing advanced air mobility technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The collaboration is expected to reinforce Abu Dhabi, particularly the Al Ain Region, as a national centre for aviation design certification, testing and regulatory development. It also aims to support local talent development while attracting international expertise and investment in advanced aviation technologies.
Another agreement between Abu Dhabi Mobility and ADNOC establishes a framework for developing, testing and expanding smart and autonomous mobility solutions for passenger and freight transport across land, sea and air.
The partnership will focus on improving operational efficiency and strengthening links between ADNOC's onshore and offshore facilities and Abu Dhabi's wider transport network. Plans include autonomous vehicle trials, exploration of autonomous maritime transport for offshore connectivity and studies into the use of eVTOL aircraft linking ADNOC facilities with future vertiports across the emirate.
Digital future
Abu Dhabi Mobility also signed an agreement with Space42 to develop a national geospatial navigation platform designed to strengthen digital sovereignty while unifying mapping and spatial services across Abu Dhabi.
The platform will integrate real-time transport information generated through Intelligent Transportation Systems, providing more accurate navigation data for residents and visitors while supporting innovation, smart city development and improved transport efficiency.
In another partnership signed under the sponsorship of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, Abu Dhabi Mobility joined forces with Versa Aerospace to advance unmanned and autonomous technologies across air, land and maritime sectors.
The agreement will combine Versa Aerospace's technical, operational and training expertise to accelerate responsible adoption of autonomous systems, strengthen local capabilities and reinforce Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a regional centre for future mobility technologies.
Focus on safety
Public safety also featured prominently in the latest agreements. Abu Dhabi Mobility partnered with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority to activate Emergency Vehicle Priority (EVP) systems that integrate real-time positioning technology with intelligent traffic signals.
The system introduces a three-level priority classification comprising Red, Orange and Green categories to ensure emergency vehicle access is appropriately managed while maintaining smooth traffic movement across the road network.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Mobility signed a Letter of Intent with Al Seer Marine, a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), to launch a pilot project exploring the construction of non-air-conditioned bus shelters using 3D printing technology. The initiative will assess the feasibility of producing durable and environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure through advanced manufacturing techniques.
Commenting on the latest agreements, Dr AlGhfeli said the partnerships demonstrate the Integrated Transport Centre's commitment to strengthening collaboration with public and private sector organisations to develop integrated smart mobility solutions that support urban growth and future transport requirements.