Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week: Pioneering the Future of Mobility and Technology

Abu Dhabi to Host Inaugural Autonomous Week

Abu Dhabi is set to host its first-ever Autonomous Week (ADAW) from November 10-15, 2025. This six-day event is organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and aims to gather global leaders and innovators in the fields of smart mobility, autonomous systems, and robotics. The week promises a rich lineup of discussions, demonstrations, and competitions designed to explore the future of transportation and automation.

As the host of this remarkable event, Abu Dhabi has already made significant strides in the development of autonomous technologies. The city has successfully carried out public demonstrations of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft and conducted trials of level 4 autonomous shuttle vehicles. These milestones reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a hub for smart and autonomous mobility.

One of the highlights of the ADAW will be the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit, kicking off the week on November 10. This summit will bring together industry pioneers, policymakers, and investors for high-level discussions aimed at shaping the future of intelligent mobility. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear insights from experts and engage in meaningful dialogues about technological advancements.

Following the summit, from November 10-12, the DRIFTx exhibition will showcase the latest whole spectrum of smart and autonomous mobility solutions across various domains including land, air, sea, and robotics. This interactive exhibition not only gives companies a platform to display their innovations but also enables attendees to experience firsthand the future of transportation.

Concurrent with the DRIFTx, the RoboCup Asia-Pacific will take place from November 10-15, hosted by Khalifa University. This event, held for the first time in the MENA region, promises thrilling AI-driven autonomous robotics competitions featuring top international teams. The RoboCup is known for pushing the boundaries of robotics and artificial intelligence, making it a perfect fit for this groundbreaking week.

To conclude the Autonomous Week, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will take place on November 15. This exciting motorsport event showcases cutting-edge autonomous racing technology and features a competitive edge with a prize pool of US$2.5 million. Elite research teams from ten countries will participate, highlighting the global appeal of autonomous racing and its potential for innovation.

Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), established in 2024, has played a pivotal role in promoting the city as a global leader in autonomous technology. The council focuses on policy-making, investment, and innovation to support the strategic direction of smart mobility in the emirate. Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, SASC aims to create a robust ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of future technologies.

With significant government backing, a comprehensive regulatory framework, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is accelerating the integration of autonomous transport systems—such as robotaxis and autonomous buses—across various sectors, enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

The inaugural Autonomous Week encapsulates Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead the global conversation on smart and autonomous technologies. As the emirate gears up for this landmark event, it illustrates its dedication to innovation, collaboration, and the promotion of a sustainable future in mobility.