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

Abu Dhabi has begun on-road testing of Tesla’s Advanced Self-Driving technology under driver supervision, officials confirmed, marking a first for the emirate as it evaluates autonomous systems in real-world conditions. The trials are being overseen by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and are being conducted within an organised regulatory framework designed to verify operational and safety readiness, Gulf News reported.

“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,” said Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).

AlGhfeli added: “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. 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.”

Context and programme details

The road trials are being run under driver supervision and carried out in coordination with the Legislation Lab at the UAE Cabinet's General Secretariat. Officials emphasised the structured nature of the programme as a means to collect performance and safety data before any possible expansion of autonomous driving operations.

• Regulatory oversight: Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility)
• Supporting bodies: Smart and Autonomous Systems Council; Legislation Lab at the UAE Cabinet's General Secretariat
• Vehicle maker: Tesla — technology tested under driver supervision

The move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader autonomous mobility ambitions. Earlier this month the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) — an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi — announced an expansion of its Robotaxi services. Launched in 2021 across Yas, Al Saadiyat, Al Reem, Al Maryah Islands and Zayed International Airport, the Robotaxi network is being extended into Khalifa City, Masdar City and Rabdan, with new routes planned to connect Abu Dhabi Corniche and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The commercial Robotaxi service is operated by WeRide and Uber.

Outlook

Officials say the Tesla tests are intended to gather evidence on operational and safety readiness before any wider rollout. The programme’s coordination with the UAE Cabinet’s Legislation Lab signals an intention to align trials with evolving regulatory frameworks. Observers will also watch how data from these supervised trials influences future approvals or expansions in autonomous vehicle deployment across the emirate.

The Abu Dhabi testing initiative dovetails with other UAE projects exploring Tesla-linked infrastructure: during the World Government Summit this year, Dubai announced an update to the Dubai Loop project with The Boring Company, planning high-speed underground transit pods using Tesla Model Y vehicles, targeted for launch in 2027.