Abu Dhabi has begun testing driverless trucks in KEZAD under a supervised pilot project. ITC

Driverless trucks are now being tested in Abu Dhabi, marking a major step toward autonomous transport in the UAE. The pilot project is taking place inside Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi and is being supervised by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with AD Ports Group and global autonomous vehicle systems developer Autotech. For now, the trucks are operating along dedicated routes within the industrial zone under strict regulatory and safety standards. Authorities said the goal is to evaluate how autonomous trucks perform in a real-world logistics environment before any wider rollout. During 2025, developers worked under ITC supervision to adapt artificial intelligence-based driving systems to suit local road conditions and freight transport needs. The technology is being tested to ensure safe, efficient and seamless operations. Officials described the pilot as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa for autonomous trucks in logistics and freight transport. For residents, the project signals how quickly transport technology is evolving in the UAE. While these trucks are currently limited to industrial zones, the testing phase will determine how ready the technology is for broader commercial use in the future. Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said the initiative strengthens Abu Dhabi’s transport ecosystem. “These initiatives contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the transport ecosystem, supporting the competitiveness of economic sectors, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading regional hub in adopting smart mobility solutions and autonomous systems, in line with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031,” he said. Authorities said the pilot will help improve freight transport efficiency and prepare the groundwork for the eventual commercial deployment of autonomous logistics services in the emirate. ICA/Expat Media
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