Abu Dhabi Advances Tech Leadership as Smart & Autonomous Systems Council Meets

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi — His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, led the third Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) meeting at Qasr Al Watan. The event brought together senior leaders from both government and private sectors to evaluate ongoing progress and solidify future plans aimed at positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in smart, autonomous innovation.

The council convened to assess key initiatives within the emirate’s expanding digital transformation roadmap, focusing on smart transport systems, AI-powered logistics, and autonomous infrastructure. Participants emphasized the importance of integrating stakeholders to achieve measurable outcomes and stressed that SASC’s efforts form a central pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Industry 4.0 strategy.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan underscored the need for harmonized strategic direction. He highlighted that aligning government priorities with private-sector expertise will accelerate impactful progress. The conversation also touched on the promise of autonomous systems to transform transport networks across land, sea, and air, advancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional logistics hub. Additionally, the council discussed updates to regulations and frameworks to fast-track autonomous testing and ensure safety standards.

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Investment support surfaced as a focal topic, with Sheikh Hamdan directing efforts to design incentives that attract global tech innovators and anchoring their R&D initiatives within the emirate. Plans were also outlined for developing specialized infrastructure including testing zones and legal frameworks to support fast-paced deployment of autonomous systems.

Senior attendees included Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber (Minister of Industry & Advanced Technology), Faisal Al Bannai (Advisor for Strategic Research & Tech Affairs), Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa (Chairman of the Department of Municipalities & Transport), Major General Ahmed Saif Al Muhairi (Abu Dhabi Police Commander‑in‑Chief), and Badr Al‑Olama (Director‑General of ADIO). Their presence reflected cross-sector commitment to this transformative agenda.

Under SASC’s guidance, ADIO has already initiated projects including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) taxi services, automated port systems, and AI-driven policing solutions. This third gathering reinforced momentum, showcasing readiness to expand operational infrastructure, implement regulatory enhancements, and strengthen investment pathways.

According to industry analysts, autonomous systems could boost Abu Dhabi’s GDP by AED 100–120 billion in coming years. This aligns with the emirate’s vision of becoming a sustainable, high-tech metropolis. Integrated transport innovation—combining air taxis, autonomous port operations, and AI-powered logistics—is central to this cross-sector effort.

Concluding the session, Sheikh Hamdan reiterated that unified action across public and private sectors will be decisive. He stressed that Abu Dhabi’s shift toward an advanced, knowledge-based economy depends on steadfast investment in modern tech domains, including self-driving systems and smart city platforms.