The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi has officially overseen the launch of a pilot programme involving autonomous trucks, marking a significant first for the Middle East and North Africa region. This carefully supervised initiative signals a major step forward in the emirate’s efforts to incorporate smart mobility solutions into its transport infrastructure, particularly within the logistics and freight sectors.
The pilot project was introduced through a collaboration between the ITC, the global technology firm Autotech, known for its expertise in autonomous vehicle systems, and AD Ports Group. The testing phase is taking place within Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), a key industrial and logistics hub in the emirate. By situating the trial within KEZAD, authorities are able to assess the technology in a controlled yet practical industrial setting that reflects real-world freight and logistics operations.
At the core of the project is the deployment of self-driving trucks designed to handle freight and logistical transport tasks. This initiative demonstrates a broader push to expand the use of autonomous systems beyond passenger vehicles and into various other modes of transportation. The ITC clarified that the primary objective of the pilot is to thoroughly evaluate how autonomous trucks perform within a defined industrial and logistics environment. Test runs have already been conducted along specific routes inside KEZAD, strictly following approved regulatory frameworks and operational guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.
Throughout 2025, under the direct supervision of the ITC, the technology developer focused on customising artificial intelligence-powered driving systems to align with local road conditions and the unique demands of logistics transport in Abu Dhabi. This process was designed to guarantee smooth, secure operations that meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Additionally, the project aims to determine how ready the technology is for broader real-world implementation.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility ecosystem
This initiative is part of the Integrated Transport Centre’s broader strategy to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s smart and autonomous mobility ecosystem. By running structured pilot programmes, the ITC is also working to enhance regulatory preparedness for innovative transport solutions that can support supply chains and logistics networks. Ultimately, the project is expected to boost freight transport efficiency, elevate operational performance in economic and industrial zones, and pave the way for the commercial rollout of autonomous logistics services.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: “This project represents an important regulatory milestone in advancing the smart mobility ecosystem in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It reflects the Centre’s direction towards expanding the application of autonomous systems to include freight and logistics transport, alongside passenger transport. Through these pilot initiatives, the Centre is committed to evaluating technical solutions within safe and structured operational frameworks, supporting the development of future policies and regulations based on real-world data and practical experience.”
He further emphasized the broader impact of such efforts, stating: “These initiatives contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the transport ecosystem, supporting the competitiveness of economic sectors, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading regional hub in adopting smart mobility solutions and autonomous systems, in line with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.”
