The Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced its oversight of a landmark pilot initiative to deploy autonomous trucks within the emirate, representing a major advancement in the development of smart mobility solutions for the logistics and freight sector.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with global autonomous vehicle systems developer Autotech and AD Ports Group. The project is based within Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD, one of the region’s key industrial and logistics hubs.
According to ITC, the project is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region focused on the operational deployment of autonomous trucks for freight and logistics transport. It reflects the growing expansion of autonomous systems across multiple transport modes beyond passenger mobility.
The pilot phase centers on evaluating autonomous truck operations within a defined industrial and logistics ecosystem. Trial runs were conducted along designated routes inside KEZAD, strictly in line with approved regulatory frameworks and operational standards.
Throughout 2025, the developer worked under ITC supervision to adapt artificial intelligence-powered autonomous driving systems to local road conditions and freight transport requirements.
The objective was to ensure safe, seamless operations aligned with the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency while assessing the technology’s readiness for real-world deployment.
Supporting smart and autonomous mobility
The project forms part of ITC’s broader strategy to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s smart and autonomous mobility ecosystem. It also aims to enhance the preparedness of regulatory frameworks to accommodate innovative solutions that serve supply chains and logistics networks.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli Acting Director General Integrated Transport Centre
“This project represents an important step 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 mobility. Through these pilot initiatives, we are evaluating technical solutions within structured and secure operational frameworks, enabling the development of future policies and regulations based on real-world data and practical experience. The initiatives enhance transport ecosystem efficiency, strengthen economic sector competitiveness, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s standing as a regional leader in smart mobility and autonomous systems, in alignment with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.”
By improving freight transport efficiency and operational performance across economic and industrial zones, the initiative lays the groundwork for the eventual commercial deployment of autonomous logistics services.
