Abu Dhabi and DiDi Autonomous Driving Forge Landmark Partnership to Lead Smart Mobility in the Middle East

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has entered into a major partnership with DiDi Autonomous Driving, the self-driving arm of DiDi Global Inc., marking a pivotal step in the emirate’s ambition to become the region’s hub for next-generation smart mobility.

The collaboration positions Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster at the forefront of innovation in autonomous transport technologies.

Driving Innovation, Talent and Ecosystem Growth

Under this partnership, DiDi Autonomous Driving will integrate into Abu Dhabi’s growing SAVI cluster. The two entities will jointly advance autonomous driving research and application, spearhead AI-focused talent development, and strengthen the broader mobility ecosystem. The goal is clear: to transform Abu Dhabi into a world-class testbed and deployment center for intelligent and sustainable transportation solutions, with future expansion into wider Middle Eastern markets.

Leadership Perspectives on a Transformational Collaboration

His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, hailed the partnership as a defining moment for regional mobility. He emphasized that DiDi’s arrival reinforces Abu Dhabi as a new global home for autonomous driving innovation, setting elevated standards for safety, sustainability and intelligence in transport.

Wang Yue, Vice President of DiDi Autonomous Driving, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the Middle East’s importance in the company’s global strategy. He noted that Abu Dhabi’s smart city ambitions align seamlessly with DiDi’s mission to deploy responsible, real-world autonomous mobility solutions across the region.

Strengthening a High-Impact Economic Cluster

The addition of DiDi Autonomous Driving significantly boosts the SAVI cluster’s momentum. By 2045, the cluster is projected to contribute AED 44 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP and create up to 40,000 high-skilled jobs. This partnership further accelerates the emirate’s trajectory toward becoming a global powerhouse in clean, intelligent, and automated mobility systems.