In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi has recently inked agreements with 25 international firms, marking a significant leap in the emirate’s pursuit of advanced manufacturing and sustainable mobility. The companies, ranging from autonomous vehicle specialists to underwater drone innovators, have joined the newly established Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster in Masdar City.
Massimo Falcioni, Chief Competitiveness Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), revealed that these agreements were sealed during the UN Conference on Trade and Development’s World Investment Forum held in Abu Dhabi. This remarkable development follows a series of similar partnerships, including deals with renowned names such as Abu Dhabi Aviation, Neta Auto, Joby Aviation, WeRide, and Marakeb Technologies.
The companies now a part of the SAVI cluster hail from across the globe, with key players from Korea, China, and the United States. These new additions complement the six companies announced earlier, taking the total number of companies in the cluster to over 30. The substantial investments from these diverse entities are poised to reshape the landscape of high-tech transportation and mobility in Abu Dhabi.
Transport development in the UAE – smart transport cluster
Mr. Falcioni emphasized the pivotal role of this initiative in Abu Dhabi’s journey toward becoming a smart city. Autonomous transportation solutions are vital in reducing CO2 emissions, optimizing routes, and fostering seamless data integration between vehicles and passengers. As Mr. Falcioni noted, “To be a smart city, you will need a lot more usage of this kind of autonomous transportation.”
Furthermore, ADIO has not limited its endeavors to land-based transportation alone. Their forward-looking vision extends to the skies, with plans to introduce all-electric air taxi operations in the UAE by 2026. Collaborating with global giants like California-based Archer Aviation and locally prominent Abu Dhabi Aviation, these efforts promise to revolutionize the way people travel within the emirate.
In the ever-evolving world of technology and innovation, Mr. Falcioni anticipates rapid advancements in the autonomous vehicle sector. “I will not be surprised in no more than 12 to 18 months to see big, big development of autonomous vehicles,” he stated.
E-transport and advanced tech in the UAE
This impressive wave of partnerships and developments underscores the immense potential of Abu Dhabi as a hub for high-tech transportation and advanced manufacturing. As the emirate moves forward on its path to becoming a smart city, it presents a wealth of opportunities for foreign businesses to participate in this transformative journey.
If you are a foreign business seeking to penetrate and develop in this dynamic market, Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster, facilitated by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, offers a promising arena for collaboration and investment. With the UAE’s continuous commitment to innovation and sustainable technology, this emerging market is ripe for international ventures.
In conclusion, Abu Dhabi’s latest agreements with global companies serve as a beacon, illuminating the remarkable opportunities the UAE offers to foreign businesses. As these visionary partnerships continue to flourish, the emirate paves the way for a future of advanced manufacturing, sustainable mobility, and unparalleled innovation. To be part of this transformative journey, foreign businesses are encouraged to explore the promising prospects within the UAE’s dynamic market, supported by the expertise and guidance of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
