#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Autonomous Systems #Smart Mobility

Inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit Highlights

The first Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit is set to take place on November 10, 2025, inviting global industry leaders and innovators to discuss significant advancements in the realm of smart and autonomous systems. Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), this summit will serve as a focal point for professionals across various sectors, including regulators, investors, and technology developers.

The Core Agenda

The summit's central theme, Where the Future of Smart and Autonomous Mobility Takes Shape, emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration among different stakeholders, focusing on real-world deployment and comprehensive integration of autonomous technologies. The agenda encompasses multiple sessions covering essential topics such as:

• - AI Safety and Standards: Exploring necessary regulations to ensure safe implementation of AI systems.
• - Human-AI Trust: Establishing frameworks for fostering trust between humans and AI systems is paramount.
• - Urban Air Mobility: Addressing the challenges and growth opportunities of urban air transport solutions.
• - Smart Ports and Cities: Discussing integrated urban planning for smart cities tailored for autonomous systems.
• - Cross-Sector Collaboration: How various sectors can come together to promote visible outcomes.

A Leadership Dialogue will kick off the summit, focusing on investment strategies, integration paths, and innovative solutions that could shape Abu Dhabi’s autonomous economy by 2030/2040.

Noteworthy Panels and Sessions

1. Regulating Autonomy: Featuring discussions on the legal frameworks required for a safe and effective rollout of autonomous technologies, stressing the importance of cybersecurity and data governance.
2. From Concept to Reality: Showcasing existing applications like robotaxis and last-mile delivery models that are being operationalized in urban settings.
3. Powering Autonomy: Examining the infrastructure necessary for supporting city-wide autonomous operations, discussing electrification and resilience.
4. Human-AI Synergy: Engaging dialogue about the importance of explainable AI and risk communication in service design.
5. AI-Driven Decision-Making: Delving into real-time AI applications involving drones and logistics.
6. Designing Smart Ports and Cities: Evaluation of urban designs that can accommodate future autonomous endeavors.

The conclusion of the summit will revolve around financing options for next-generation asset classes, adapting capital structures to suit the needs of emerging technologies.

Key Industry Speakers

A diverse lineup of speakers from leading companies will ensure a comprehensive exchange of ideas. Some notable figures include:

• - Sherif Tawfik, Chief Partnership Officer, G42 at Microsoft
• - Tony Xu Han, Founder, WeRide
• - Nikhil Goel, CCO, Archer Aviation
• - Elena Sorlini, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Airports

This initiative is further bolstered by the participation of various UAE officials, including His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, highlighting the nation's commitment to intelligent autonomy.

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

The summit is part of the broader Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW), running from November 10-15, 2025. The week will also feature:

• - DRIFTx Exhibition: An interactive platform where companies will showcase innovations across air, land, sea, and robotics.
• - RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025: A competitive event focusing on AI-driven robotics challenges.
• - Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL): Featuring autonomous racing technologies with a prize pool of $2.25 million, attracting global talent.

In conclusion, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit is poised to significantly influence the future of autonomous mobility and technology, setting the stage for a collaboration-driven approach that aligns technology advancements with regulatory frameworks. As machines increasingly integrate into daily life, platforms like the ADAW represent vital steps toward a more autonomous future.