Transport & Logistics

Abu Dhabi Launches First Trial of Autonomous Delivery Vehicles

Masdar City hosts Abu Dhabi’s first pilot for self-driving delivery vehicles, advancing smart logistics, sustainability, and the emirate’s 2040 mobility vision

SME News Service

Under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) has launched the emirate’s first pilot programme for autonomous delivery vehicles.

The milestone includes the issuance of Abu Dhabi’s first official license plate for a self-driving delivery vehicle.

Cutting-Edge Logistics Innovation

The autonomous vehicles, developed by K2 subsidiary Autogo, represent a new era in smart logistics. Equipped with AI-powered navigation and advanced mobility technologies, the vehicles can operate independently on urban streets and deliver orders without human intervention.

Trial in Masdar City

The trial operation began in Masdar City, serving as a testbed for safe and efficient integration of autonomous delivery solutions. It forms part of Abu Dhabi Mobility’s broader regulatory role in overseeing autonomous transport and freight.

The initiative also aligns with the emirate’s 2040 smart mobility strategy, which envisions 25% of all trips made using smart transport solutions.

Driving Sustainability and Efficiency

By embedding autonomous delivery vehicles into Abu Dhabi’s regulatory framework, the initiative seeks to:

  • Support sustainability goals

  • Reduce congestion and carbon emissions

  • Enhance customer convenience in urban areas

These vehicles are expected to reshape last-mile logistics, providing a more efficient, eco-friendly, and scalable delivery model.

Leadership Perspectives

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Mobility, emphasized that the project is a “pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey toward a smart, sustainable transport system.”

He highlighted its role in reducing emissions and congestion while improving quality of life through advanced logistics and strong public-private partnerships.

Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, added that integrating autonomous delivery vehicles into Abu Dhabi’s logistics framework marks a strategic leap toward next-generation smart logistics.

Through EMX, the logistics arm of 7X, the group is committed to building a model that is faster, safer, adaptable, and aligned with the UAE’s digital transformation and green economy ambitions.

Next Steps: Commercial Expansion

Following the successful regulatory approval, Autogo plans to expand operations beyond Masdar City, with full-scale commercial deployment expected in the coming months.

The initiative forms part of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, which aims to localise production and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for intelligent and autonomous systems.

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