Abu Dhabi is set to be home to the Middle East Home Testing Center, following an announcement made by the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) during Driftx 2025, part of the Inaugural Abu Dhabi Independent Week.
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Test Hub, developed under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council Council (SASC), will be built in partnership with Space42, Masdar City and Emirates Driving Company.
The first phase, covering construction and documentation, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The Hub will provide a world-class ecosystem to test, validate and validate autonomous vehicle technology, supporting the UAE’s drive towards innovation, digital transformation and sustainability. The center will also be deployed in multiple locations around the world, including urban, suburban and industrial areas, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of independent programs in independent situations.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad, ITC’s managing director, said: “Establishing the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub is a state-of-the-art, public-private development. This project demonstrates the integration of strategies across the community and the institution’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s drive to lead the region in intelligent transportation and autonomous transportation systems.”
The center will include advanced sound networks, real-time analytics and digital standards to ensure seamless communication with transport management platforms, including autonomous vehicles for inspection, operation and management system (avitoms).
Ahmed Baghoum, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar City, said: “Masdar City works as an active destination, accelerating Abu Dhabi as an independent center where the Conventity of traveling with Smart Transport throughout the air.
Khalid AL Shemeili, CEO of Emirates Driving Company, said that this move is in line with the company’s long-term vision of good travel. He noted the company’s cooperation with ITC from 2021 on vehicle inspection and vehicle inspection and welcomed the opportunity to continue participating in the development of the sector.
In addition to testing, the Hub will serve as a training and research platform, developing skills in independent travel and encouraging collaboration between government, academia and industry. This move reflects Abu Dhabi’s desire to be a global leader in peacekeeping technology and a key driver of innovation in the digital economy.
