The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), has launched the emirate’s first pilot programme for autonomous delivery vehicles. The initiative, rolled out in collaboration with K2 and EMX—the logistics arm of 7X—marks a historic milestone with the issuance of Abu Dhabi’s first official license plate for a self-driving delivery vehicle.
Developed by K2 subsidiary Autogo, the autonomous delivery vehicles are powered by advanced AI and smart mobility technologies, enabling them to navigate urban streets and deliver orders without human intervention. The pilot operation, launched in Masdar City, is a step towards scaling full commercial services across Abu Dhabi.
The project aligns with the emirate’s long-term smart mobility vision, which targets 25% of all trips to be made using intelligent transport solutions by 2040. It also builds on earlier initiatives, including the deployment of autonomous taxis in key areas of the city.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad Al Ghfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said the programme reflects Abu Dhabi’s readiness to integrate global innovations within a secure regulatory framework. “The pilot operation of autonomous delivery vehicles in Masdar City is a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey towards building a smart, sustainable transport system. It is not just a technical trial but part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen logistics, reduce emissions and congestion, and improve quality of life in our cities,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, highlighted the role of the private sector in driving innovation. “Integrating autonomous delivery vehicles into Abu Dhabi’s regulatory framework is a strategic milestone toward next-generation smart logistics. At 7X, through our logistics arm EMX, we are committed to building a model that is faster, safer, more adaptable, and more sustainable—fully aligned with the UAE’s digital transformation and green economy agenda,” he noted.
Following the regulatory approval, Autogo plans to expand operations beyond Masdar City, partnering with additional stakeholders and covering wider public areas, with full-scale deployment expected in the coming months.
The initiative also supports the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, which seeks to localise the production of intelligent transport systems while advancing the emirate’s global leadership in smart mobility and logistics innovation.
