Abu Dhabi has launched a program with the aim of establishing the emirate as a prominent hub for advanced vehicle development, further diversifying the economy and creating numerous employment opportunities.
The Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (Savi) cluster, situated in the eco-friendly Masdar City, will focus on designing intelligent and autonomous vehicles for various modes of transport, including air, land, and sea, as announced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added).
This multi-modal hub is projected to contribute between AED 90B and AED 120B ($24.5B to $32.7B) to the UAE’s economy, potentially generating up to 50,000 jobs, according to officials.
Savi: Abu Dhabi’s Key Step Towards a Sustainable Circular Economy
Savi represents the next pivotal phase in Abu Dhabi’s industrial transformation, propelling the emirate toward a smart, sustainable, and circular economy, as per government authorities.
“As a catalyst for Abu Dhabi’s diversification, Savi is a game-changer that will unleash extraordinary economic growth and create new opportunities for talent, entrepreneurs and investors,” said Ahmed Al Zaabi, chairman of Added.
The program will establish cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities designed to support innovative technologies and startups from across the globe.
Furthermore, collaborations will be forged with various governments, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers to drive progress in the field of intelligent transportation.
To facilitate the development and testing of vehicles within the cluster, designated sites will be allocated for testing purposes.
These sites include Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, and Musaffah Port, respectively.
Abu Dhabi’s Vision for the Future of Mobility: Smart Solutions and Rapid Growth in the Smart Mobility Sector
Abu Dhabi is being positioned to “take charge in propelling the future of mobility”, Badr Al Olama, acting director general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said at the Savi launch.
“We promise the future where accessibility, mobility and sustainability would converge seamlessly, elevating the quality of life for us and everyone around us.”
Smart mobility represents the integration of advanced technology and data-driven solutions to create transport systems that are efficient, sustainable, and user-centric.
The global smart mobility sector is expected to experience significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of over 21%, reaching approximately $404B by 2032, up from $48.54B in 2022, according to data from Spherical Insights & Consulting.
Simultaneously, the self-driving vehicle market worldwide is forecast to reach $93.3B by 2028, up from $33.48B this year, at a compound annual growth rate of around 23%, as reported by Mordor Intelligence.
Pioneering Smart Mobility Initiatives in Abu Dhabi: Savi’s Role in Shaping the Future of Transportation
The UAE has actively pursued a leadership position in smart mobility systems, aligning with its commitment to sustainability. Several initiatives have been introduced to facilitate the deployment of autonomous services, positioning Abu Dhabi to be at the forefront of developing comprehensive smart cities.
Abu Dhabi has initiated various autonomous transportation services, including a fleet of driverless taxis and a driverless bus service during the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, both operated by TXAI.
Additionally, drone delivery trials are in progress. This week, the Autonomous Rapid Transit vehicles, a new tram-like electric bus, commenced operations in Abu Dhabi.
The launch of Savi signifies a strong commitment to these efforts, symbolizing hope and the potential for a future filled with possibilities.
It serves as a call to action, encouraging unity to address the pressing challenges of transportation with courage and determination, according to The National News.
Savi’s Role in Abu Dhabi’s Unified Effort for Smart Mobility and Sustainability at COP28
Savi’s introduction is timely, with the upcoming Cop28 climate change conference hosted by the UAE.
The initiative is supported by some of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent organizations, including Masdar City, Tawazun Industrial Park, Maqta Gateway, part, and Miral, which will provide the essential infrastructure and support services to advance applications in air, land, and sea vehicles.
Collaboration among governmental bodies such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, General Civil Aviation Authority, Integrated Transport Centre, and Abu Dhabi Maritime will facilitate the certification of autonomous vehicle operations throughout the emirate.
Furthermore, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Technology Innovation Institute, Khalifa University, and Hub71 will join forces for research and innovation to drive the development of new autonomous vehicle technologies.
This collective effort underlines the emirate’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the field of smart mobility.
“Savi was designed to bring the ecosystem together and we’ve looked at international benchmarks,” said Nayef Shahin, director of innovation and knowledge at Added.
