Abu Dhabi launches MENA’s first pilot of driverless freight trucks
Initiative supports UAE Artificial Intelligence 2031 strategy
ABU DHABI – The UAE capital has taken a significant step towards the future of freight transport with the launch of the region’s first pilot operation of autonomous logistics trucks.
Overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the initiative marks a major milestone for smart mobility in the Middle East and North Africa.
The project brings together global autonomous vehicle specialist Autotech and AD Ports Group to test advanced driverless freight solutions in a controlled industrial environment.
Pilot scope
The Integrated Transport Centre confirmed that the pilot focuses on assessing the performance of autonomous trucks within a defined logistics ecosystem. Trial journeys were carried out along dedicated routes inside Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), operating under approved regulatory frameworks and strict operational standards.
During 2025, the technology developer worked under the Centre’s supervision to adapt artificial intelligence driven autonomous systems to local road conditions and freight requirements. The effort aimed to ensure safe, efficient and seamless operations while measuring the technology’s readiness for deployment in real-world scenarios.
Officials described the initiative as the first-of-its-kind in the MENA region for autonomous freight transport, highlighting the growing expansion of autonomous applications beyond passenger mobility into heavy logistics and supply chain operations.
Strategic goals
The project forms part of Abu Dhabi Mobility’s broader strategy to strengthen the emirate’s smart and autonomous transport ecosystem. Authorities said the pilot will help enhance regulatory readiness and support the adoption of innovative solutions serving the logistics and supply chain sector.
By testing autonomous freight vehicles in an industrial setting, the programme is expected to improve freight efficiency and operational performance across economic zones. The findings will also inform future policy frameworks ahead of potential commercial deployment of autonomous logistics services.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), described the initiative as a key regulatory milestone for the emirate.
“This project represents an important regulatory milestone in advancing the smart mobility ecosystem in the emirate of Abu Dhabi,” he said. “It reflects the Centre’s direction towards expanding the application of autonomous systems to include freight and logistics transport, alongside passenger transport.”
Future plans
AlGhfeli noted that pilot initiatives are being used to evaluate technical solutions within structured and safe operational frameworks. He said the approach will support the development of future policies and regulations based on real-world data and practical experience.
He added that such programmes contribute to improving the overall efficiency of the transport ecosystem, strengthening the competitiveness of economic sectors and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading regional hub for smart mobility and autonomous systems.
The initiative aligns with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies across key industries.
Abu Dhabi Mobility reaffirmed its commitment to working with local and international partners to enable high-quality pilot projects in smart mobility. The authority emphasised that future efforts will continue to balance technological innovation with safety and sustainability requirements while supporting the emirate’s long-term economic and societal priorities.