Abu Dhabi Summit 2025: Global Leaders to Shape the Future of Autonomous Mobility
▼ Summary
– The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit on November 10, 2025, will launch Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, bringing together global leaders to discuss the future of smart and autonomous mobility.
– The summit’s key topics include integrated urban mobility, scaling smart transport models, AI governance, public trust in autonomous tech, and cross-sector collaboration.
– Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week features multiple events, including the DRIFTx exhibition, RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, and the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) with a $2.25 million prize pool.
– The event series is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy, led by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, to become a global innovation hub for the safe and sustainable deployment of autonomous technologies.
– Recent developments in Abu Dhabi’s autonomous sector include a successful drone delivery test flight and the expansion of autonomous taxi services to new areas in collaboration with tech companies.
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit 2025 is set to convene international leaders to define the next chapter for smart and self-operating transport systems. Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), this pivotal gathering marks the beginning of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW), running from November 10 to 15, 2025. The summit itself will take place on November 10 at the Vehicle Dynamic Area within Yas Marina Circuit, operating under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of SASC.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the council’s mission, stating that it aims to accelerate sustainable transformation within the autonomous systems sector. The goal is to guarantee their safe and effective operation, positioning Abu Dhabi as a worldwide benchmark for innovation and a leading center for advanced technological development.
A broad spectrum of essential industry subjects will be examined during the program. Discussions will focus on merging air, land, and sea transport for cohesive urban mobility, alongside the practical implementation and expansion of intelligent mobility models in public transit. Other critical areas include establishing global standards for AI governance, building public confidence in autonomous technologies, and fostering cross-industry cooperation to push the boundaries of autonomy. The agenda also covers the future of urban air travel, AI-powered decision-making processes, and designing large-scale industrial applications for smart ports and metropolitan areas.
Participants will also investigate pathways for scaling innovation, attracting investment, and maximizing impact. This involves outlining clear routes for the commercialization of new technologies, promoting sustainability, and developing the skilled workforce needed to achieve these ambitious objectives.
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week will feature a dynamic lineup of events. From November 10 to 12, DRIFTx will present a live, interactive exhibition displaying the latest in smart and autonomous solutions across land, sea, air, and robotics. Simultaneously, from November 10 to 15, Khalifa University will host RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, the first time this premier AI and autonomous robotics competition has been held in the MENA region, attracting top international teams.
The week concludes on November 15 with the second Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). Orchestrated by ASPIRE and Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), this high-stakes motorsport event will highlight the forefront of autonomous racing with a $2.25 million prize pool, drawing elite research groups from ten different nations. The entire week underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to cultivating a competitive and collaborative environment that drives innovation, aiming to improve efficiency, connectivity, and overall quality of life through the secure and sustainable application of autonomous technologies.
Recent activities highlight the emirate’s proactive approach. Just last week, the Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility), in partnership with LODD Autonomous, conducted a successful test flight for a drone delivery service. A drone utilizing a robotic arm accurately transported a package from Al Samha to KIZAD, relying on a sophisticated navigation system for precision.
In July 2025, the expansion of autonomous taxi services to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands was announced. This project is a collaboration between the Integrated Transport Center, global autonomous driving leader WeRide, along with Uber and the local operator Tawasul Transport.
Earlier in February 2025, a live demonstration of the HEXA light sport passenger electric aircraft was successfully carried out by the Advanced Mobility Hub and LIFT Aircraft Middle East. The event showcased the aircraft’s state-of-the-art technology, its advanced safety systems, and its environmentally friendly propulsion mechanism. Designed with a three-axis joystick, a three-axis autopilot, and an all-electric propulsion system, HEXA aims to transform personal air mobility by offering safe, user-friendly, and emission-free flight.
(Source: Economy Middle East)
