MENA launches self-driving trucks for logistics

Integrated Transport Centre has launched the first pilot project for autonomous trucks in Abu Dhabi, marking a regional milestone for logistics and freight transport. The initiative, implemented in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) aims to test AI-based truck operations along dedicated routes, improve freight efficiency, and evaluate readiness for commercial deployment in a controlled industrial environment.

Acting Director General Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli said, “This project represents an important regulatory milestone in advancing the smart mobility ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. It reflects our commitment to safe, structured evaluation of autonomous logistics solutions and to shaping future policies based on real-world data.”

Pilot trips during 2025 focused on adapting autonomous driving systems to local road and logistics conditions while meeting safety and operational standards. The project is part of the emirate’s broader push to expand autonomous systems across transport modes, strengthen regulatory readiness, and support economic competitiveness. The ITC will continue collaborating with local and international partners to scale smart mobility solutions while ensuring safety, sustainability, and efficiency in freight operations.