Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, chaired the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) meeting at Qasr Al Shati. The meeting focused on the strategic plan to shape the future of the smart mobility sector in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the advancement of public transportation through autonomous systems across land, sea, and air.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on preparations for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, scheduled for 10th-15th November 2025. This event aims to highlight global innovations and cutting-edge technologies in smart mobility. The council also reviewed the results of the first phase of operational trials of autonomous vehicles and systems in Abu Dhabi, which showed significant progress in performance efficiency and safety. Plans were discussed to expand the trials' scope.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan reviewed updates on partnerships and agreements finalized by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office in collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and other stakeholders in smart mobility. He emphasized the importance of investing in innovation and advanced technologies as drivers for building a sustainable knowledge-based economy, noting the smart mobility sector's role in Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategy.
Sheikh Hamdan directed government and semi-government entities to intensify efforts to facilitate the establishment of start-ups and specialized companies in the smart mobility sector. He also called for streamlined and unified requirements for conducting operational trials of autonomous systems, adhering to the highest safety and security standards.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; Major General Ahmed Saif bin Zaitoon Al Muhairi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police; Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Office Director of the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and Badr Saleem Sultan Al-Olama, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office.