Abu Dhabi has formally approved modular smart vehicles as a new road-transport category, marking a significant step toward next-generation mobility in the UAE. These reconfigurable vehicle units can connect or detach based on passenger demand, enabling flexible and efficient public transport operations. The initiative is being developed by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in partnership with NExT, Liftango and Paradigma Innovation Hub. Pilot testing is currently underway on Yas Island, following more than 800,000 km of autonomous driving trials completed by WeRide taxis as of October 2025. The move is expected to support Abu Dhabi’s long-term goals for sustainability, reduced congestion and smart urban mobility, offering GCC professionals a preview of the region’s future commuting ecosystem.
