Masdar City Starts Testing Level 4 Self-Driving Vehicles

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Offic

Masdar City in Abu Dhabi has started testing Level 4 autonomous vehicles (AVs) as part of its plan to support the future of smart transportation. This move is part of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s (SASC) strategy and is done in partnership with Solutions+, a smart mobility company that is part of Mubadala.

The tests are being done with support from the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), which makes sure that the vehicles are safe, properly registered, tested, and approved before being used in public areas. The goal is to match Abu Dhabi’s bigger vision for clean, smart, and safe transportation.

This step shows the city’s strong commitment to innovation, technology, and sustainability, while also confirming Masdar City’s leadership as a global center for clean technology and autonomous vehicles.

What is Level 4 Automation?

Level 4 self-driving technology means that the vehicle can fully drive itself without a driver—but only within a geofenced (limited) area. This is a big step forward from older models where a human driver had to stay alert and ready to take control.

Masdar City is now working as a real-world testing area where global companies can bring their Level 4 autonomous vehicles and try them out in real-life situations.

Masdar City’s Role in Smart Mobility

Masdar City is known around the world as a place focused on sustainability and clean energy. It is home to the Smart Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, which helps companies test and build new types of mobility and transportation systems.

Ahmed Baghoum, the CEO of Masdar City, said this new testing project is a big step in the growth of self-driving cars. He said,

“This is a major moment for AV technology. Masdar City is proud to lead in testing this important future technology. We believe this aligns with our dream of building smart, digital, and sustainable cities.”

He added that by working with Solutions+, Masdar City is helping develop technologies that can make cities smarter and safer while also keeping the environment in mind.

Why This Testing Is Important

The testing phase is a “proof of concept,” which means it’s the first real-world trial to see how well the technology works. The self-driving vehicles will operate along a 2.4-kilometer test route in Masdar City.

This route connects some major spots in the city, including

• The Siemens Building

• North Car Park

• My City Centre Masdar Mall

• Central Park

The route also goes past important landmarks like

• IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) Headquarters

• MC2

• The Link

At first, safety officers will be inside the vehicles during the trial. But later, the cars will drive without a person inside. Instead, they’ll be monitored remotely from a control room.

This process allows Masdar City and its partners to carefully watch how the cars perform, especially under Abu Dhabi’s climate conditions and infrastructure, which are very different from other countries.

Voices from the Partners

Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)

Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director-General of the ITC, said this project fits perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s plans to use advanced technologies for transportation.

He said,

“This is a major step forward for our smart transport plans. We are building a strong regulatory system that supports innovation while keeping safety first. This will help Abu Dhabi become a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility.”

He also mentioned that ITC is working to support eco-friendly, flexible transport systems that make the city more competitive and future-ready.

Solutions + Perspective

Ali Alyafei, the chief operations officer at Solutions+, said that Masdar City offers the perfect place to test AVs because it has modern infrastructure and a deep focus on sustainability.

He explained:

“Working with Masdar City allows us to improve our technology and show how smart mobility solutions can help cities become cleaner and more efficient. It also supports the UAE’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050.”

Testing to Fit UAE Needs

The AVs will be monitored carefully during the test phase to make sure they meet all UAE safety standards. This includes checking their ability to:

• Navigate local streets

• Follow rules.

• Adjust to weather and road conditions.

• Avoid obstacles and pedestrians.

• Work smoothly with traffic systems

After this test phase, Masdar City will review the performance of the vehicles and decide whether they can be used more widely across the city or other parts of Abu Dhabi. This will only happen with full approval from the Abu Dhabi government.

Masdar City’s Ongoing Commitment

This is not the first time Masdar City has worked with autonomous vehicle technology. In fact, the city introduced its first generation of AVs back in 2010, long before self-driving cars became popular.

Now, more than a decade later, the city is taking another big step in making smart mobility a part of daily life. The current trials show Masdar City’s growing influence in the global push for clean tech and innovation.

The city’s Smart Mobility Cluster plays a key role in supporting these advancements. By providing a place for companies to test and improve their products, Masdar City is helping shape the future of urban transport.

How This Helps Abu Dhabi and the UAE

This project supports many important goals for Abu Dhabi and the UAE, including

• Making transportation safer and smarter

• Supporting clean energy and net-zero emissions

• Creating new jobs and industries in tech

• Helping the UAE become a leader in smart cities

• Improving urban living for residents and visitors

By testing and improving this new technology locally, Abu Dhabi can offer it to the global market and share its experience with other countries looking to modernize their transport systems.