Abu Dhabi has unveiled an ambitious plan to accelerate the development of its autonomous mobility ecosystem, announcing that its new Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Cluster aims to generate 40,000 jobs by 2045. The initiative positions the emirate as a major global hub for self-driving technologies, electric mobility solutions, and next-generation transportation systems.
The cluster, launched as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification strategy, will focus on advanced research, vehicle manufacturing, testing facilities, regulatory innovation, and the integration of AI-driven mobility across public and private sectors. The long-term goal is to build a complete value chain for autonomous transportation, reducing reliance on imports and making Abu Dhabi an exporter of mobility technologies.
According to officials, the AV Cluster will support startups, global tech firms, and manufacturing partners, offering incentives that include tax benefits, streamlined licensing, access to testing zones, and collaboration with local universities. The strategy aligns with the UAE’s industrial and AI roadmaps, both of which prioritize mobility technologies as essential to future economic competitiveness.
In addition to job creation, the cluster is expected to contribute significantly to Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP. Early estimates suggest that the autonomous vehicle sector could add billions of dirhams to the emirate’s economy through industrial output, innovation, and new investment flows. The government anticipates strong participation from global partners, particularly in the areas of software systems, electric drivetrains, sensor manufacturing, and robotics.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of large-scale testing corridors, where companies will be allowed to conduct pilot programs for self-driving taxis, delivery robots, autonomous buses, and AI-powered mobility platforms. Abu Dhabi already operates some of the region’s most advanced AV regulations, and officials say this will help accelerate deployment timelines.
The cluster is also expected to strengthen the UAE’s talent pipeline. New academic programs in automotive engineering, robotics, AI, and machine learning are being introduced across local universities, with scholarships and industry partnerships designed to prepare Emiratis and residents for careers in the sector. By 2045, these efforts aim to build a workforce capable of supporting advanced R&D, manufacturing oversight, and large-scale fleet operations.
Environmental impact is another major focus. The AV Cluster supports Abu Dhabi’s commitment to reducing emissions, improving transport efficiency, and lowering road fatalities. Autonomous electric fleets could significantly cut congestion and improve road safety, officials say, especially as the emirate integrates AVs into its public transport and smart city networks.
With global competition for AV leadership intensifying, Abu Dhabi’s long-term plan signals a major strategic investment in future mobility. By establishing a full-scale innovation cluster, the emirate aims not only to create tens of thousands of jobs but also to shape the future of transport in the region.
As the initiative moves into its next phase, Abu Dhabi expects increased foreign investment, new industrial partnerships, and rapid technological progress cementing its role as a regional and international hub for autonomous vehicle innovation.
