Abu Dhabi Conducts Second Trial of Autonomous Patrol Boat

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has completed the second round of field trials for an autonomous patrol boat developed by Blue Gulf Group.

The trials are being carried out under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council as part of efforts to develop autonomous patrol capabilities for monitoring public waterways across Abu Dhabi.

23-Foot Vessel Tested Near Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal

The latest trial took place near Al Saadiyat Ferry Terminal in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Maritime and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

The 23-foot autonomous vessel was tested for its ability to comply with international rules of the sea, known as COLREGS. The assessment was conducted from a shore-based control room using pre-approved operational scenarios.

During the trial, teams monitored the vessel's ability to navigate independently, detect other boats, avoid potential collisions, stop when instructed and safely return to the control room.

The latest exercise follows the first field trials conducted with Blue Gulf Group in May 2026.

Read Also: ECAE Visits Al Ain Schools to Measure Graduate Impact on Education

Focus on Safe Autonomous Navigation

The trials are designed to support the development of autonomous patrol systems that can assist with monitoring activities across Abu Dhabi's public waterways.

The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi Mobility's efforts to expand the emirate's smart mobility ecosystem while supporting public safety, sustainability and operational efficiency through advanced technologies and modern monitoring systems.

Abu Dhabi Strengthens Framework for Autonomous Marine Testing

The field trials also follow the Department of Municipalities and Transport's recent introduction of the Manual of Requirements and Controls for Testing Autonomous Marine Crafts.

The manual establishes a framework for the safe and secure testing of autonomous and remotely operated marine vessels in Abu Dhabi.

In addition, Abu Dhabi Mobility, working with Abu Dhabi Maritime, has launched the Waterway Monitoring and Control Centre to strengthen monitoring and control capabilities across the emirate's waterways.

Supporting Abu Dhabi's Maritime Innovation

The autonomous patrol boat trials, together with the new regulatory framework and monitoring centre, bring government entities, private-sector companies and industry partners together to support the development of advanced maritime mobility solutions.

The initiatives aim to create an environment that supports innovation through regulation, smart infrastructure and modern governance, while contributing to Abu Dhabi's development as a global maritime hub and centre for maritime innovation.