Self-driving cars in Abu Dhabi: Tesla’s tech is now being tested

Tesla’s Advanced Self‑Driving technology is being tested on Abu Dhabi roads under driver supervision, the Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed, marking the first public trials of the US electric carmaker’s system in the emirate. The programme is being overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and is being carried out within an organised regulatory framework in coordination with the Legislation Lab at the UAE Cabinet's General Secretariat.

“The supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) over the commencement of Tesla’s advanced autonomous driving technology tests reflects its regulatory and legislative role.”

The tests are being conducted to evaluate the technology’s performance in real‑world operating conditions and to verify its operational and safety readiness, Abu Dhabi authorities said. Trials will run under driver supervision and are designed to collect data before any decision on further deployment or expansion.

What the trials involve

• Lead authority: Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
• Supporting bodies: Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and the Legislation Lab at the UAE Cabinet's General Secretariat.
• Vehicle technology: Tesla’s Advanced Self‑Driving system, operated under driver supervision during road tests.
• Regulatory aim: assess safety, operational readiness and collect deployment data within an organised framework announced by the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), framed the trials as a step in balancing innovation with road safety. “These tests represent a qualitative step to evaluate the technology’s performance in a real‑world operating environment and to collect the necessary data to verify its readiness before any future expansion in usage,” he said. “Through this organised framework, and in cooperation with strategic partners, we seek to achieve a balance between supporting innovation and encouraging the adoption of smart solutions on one hand and ensuring the safety of road users on the other, in line with the emirate’s direction to develop an advanced, safe, and sustainable transport system.”

The move comes as Abu Dhabi continues to expand other autonomous services across the emirate. The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) launched a Robotaxi service in 2021 covering Yas, Al Saadiyat, Al Reem, Al Maryah Islands and Zayed International Airport, and has announced expansion into Khalifa City, Masdar City and Rabdan, plus new routes connecting Abu Dhabi Corniche with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Those Robotaxi operations are run commercially by WeRide and Uber.

Beyond the emirate, Dubai has also signalled long‑term autonomous ambitions: during the World Government Summit this year Dubai updated the Dubai Loop project with The Boring Company, planning high‑speed underground transit pods using Tesla Model Y vehicles with a target launch in 2027.

Outlook: Abu Dhabi’s supervised Tesla road tests close crucial gaps between lab trials and live operation by gathering safety and performance data under an approved regulatory regime. Authorities say the evidence collected will determine whether and how the technology can be expanded, keeping regulatory oversight central as the emirate pursues broader autonomous mobility goals.