Abu Dhabi is preparing to become a global leader in smart mobility with the first-ever Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week (ADAW), scheduled from November 10 to 15, 2025. Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), this week-long event aims to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous technologies across land, sea, air, and industrial sectors.
A Vision for the Future
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, ADAW seeks to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation in autonomous systems. The event aligns with the emirate’s strategic vision to create an integrated, innovation-driven ecosystem that enhances competitiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in mobility solutions.
The main goal of the week is to showcase how autonomous technologies can transform daily life, making transportation safer, faster, and more efficient. It also highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creating a smart city environment where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
Key Events and Highlights
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit will kick off the week at the Vehicle Dynamic Area, Yas Marina Circuit. The summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the future of smart mobility. Topics covered include the convergence of air, land, and sea transport, real-world deployment of smart mobility models, global standards in AI governance, public trust, cross-sector collaboration, urban air mobility, AI-driven decision-making, and industrial applications for smart ports and cities.
DRIFTx Exhibition
The DRIFTx Exhibition, running from November 10 to 12, will display the latest advancements in smart and autonomous mobility solutions. Attendees will explore cutting-edge technologies and innovations in land, sea, air, and robotics, gaining insights into how these solutions are shaping the future of mobility.
RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025
Hosted by Khalifa University, the RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 will run from November 10 to 15. This event features AI-driven autonomous robotics challenges, with teams from around the world competing to showcase the potential of robotics and AI in transforming mobility and other sectors.
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League
The week concludes with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) on November 15. This event focuses on high-speed autonomous vehicle competitions, pushing the limits of vehicle technology and fostering innovation in autonomous transportation.
Strategic Objectives
ADAW is designed to achieve several key objectives. Policy development is a primary focus, facilitating discussions on creating regulations that support safe and efficient deployment of autonomous systems. The event also aims to drive economic growth by identifying opportunities to reduce costs and increase productivity across sectors such as transport, logistics, insurance, energy, tourism, and retail.
Global collaboration is another important objective, fostering partnerships between local and international entities to advance the adoption of smart mobility solutions. Public engagement is equally emphasized to enhance trust and understanding of autonomous technologies through transparent communication and involvement.
Dr. Abdullah Hamad Al Ghafli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), stressed the importance of aligning new legislation with existing laws to create a cohesive regulatory framework. This approach ensures public safety while supporting innovation in the autonomous systems sector.
Economic and Societal Impact
The adoption of smart mobility technologies is expected to transform several sectors. In transport and logistics, autonomous vehicles and systems can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations. Insurance companies will need to develop new models and policies that consider the unique aspects of autonomous technologies.
The energy sector stands to benefit as well, with optimized energy consumption and more sustainable practices in transportation. Tourism and retail industries can leverage smart mobility solutions to create seamless, innovative experiences for customers.
Overall, these advancements will contribute to a more diversified and resilient economy, supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader development goals and its vision of becoming a smart city.
Global Significance
ADAW’s focus on collaboration and innovation positions Abu Dhabi as a key player in the global smart mobility landscape. By hosting this event, the emirate showcases its commitment to technological advancement and sets a benchmark for other regions aiming to integrate autonomous systems into infrastructure.
The event will attract international experts, innovators, and companies, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, partnerships, and showcasing solutions that can be applied worldwide. This global exposure will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for research, development, and deployment of autonomous systems.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the technologies and solutions showcased during ADAW will likely influence policies, business strategies, and urban planning in Abu Dhabi and beyond. The integration of autonomous systems in everyday life can lead to safer streets, faster travel, reduced traffic congestion, and lower environmental impact.
Smart mobility solutions are also expected to play a significant role in shaping the cities of the future, making them more connected, sustainable, and people-centric. ADAW provides a platform for innovators and decision-makers to collaborate and explore these possibilities.
Conclusion
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week 2025 marks an important milestone in the journey toward a smarter, more connected, and technologically advanced future. By bringing together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers, the event aims to accelerate the adoption of autonomous systems across multiple sectors.
Through discussions, exhibitions, and competitions, ADAW will showcase the potential of smart mobility technologies and highlight Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation. The event not only sets the stage for transformative changes in transportation but also reinforces the emirate’s position as a leader in creating a sustainable, efficient, and technology-driven future.
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