Abu Dhabi has begun testing autonomous trucks in a controlled industrial zone, marking the first pilot project of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa for logistics and freight transport.
The initiative is being supervised by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, in partnership with global autonomous systems developer Autotech and AD Ports Group, Emirates News Agency reported.
The pilot is being carried out within Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD, a major industrial and logistics hub in the emirate.
What the Pilot Covers
According to the ITC, the project focuses on evaluating how autonomous trucks perform within a defined industrial and logistics environment. Trial runs have already taken place along dedicated routes inside KEZAD.
Officials said the tests are being conducted under approved regulatory frameworks and operational standards to ensure safety and compliance.
Throughout 2025, the developer worked under ITC supervision to adapt artificial intelligence-based driving systems to local road conditions and freight requirements. The goal is to ensure smooth, safe operations that meet high safety and efficiency standards before any wider rollout.
Why It Matters
The project forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader push to expand smart and autonomous mobility solutions across different transport modes.
By testing autonomous trucks in a real-world logistics setting, authorities aim to assess the technology’s readiness for commercial deployment. If successful, the system could help improve freight efficiency, reduce operational costs, and strengthen supply chain performance across industrial and economic zones.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said the initiative supports efforts to enhance the transport ecosystem and boost the competitiveness of economic sectors.
He added that such projects reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional leader in adopting smart mobility and autonomous systems, in line with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
What Happens Next
For now, the project remains in the pilot stage within KEZAD. Authorities will continue evaluating safety, performance, and regulatory readiness before any transition to commercial autonomous logistics services.
Residents and businesses can expect further updates as the emirate moves closer to integrating autonomous freight solutions into its wider transport network.