Abu Dhabi, UAE: Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster was launched recently at Masdar City. SAVI aims to be smart and autonomous vehicles hub. SAVI will support innovation and the commercialisation of smart and autonomous vehicle technologies in the UAE, by providing state-of-the art facilities and value-added services within an enabling regulatory environment.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) said: “Abu Dhabi can uniquely lead the charge in advancing technology and commercialization within the smart and autonomous vehicles sector. Backed by a proven track record of accelerated innovation and built on a robust industrial base, the emirate both embraces and shapes global trends. It supercharges the sector by leveraging its infrastructure, talent, progressive regulatory mindset, and key location. It sits at the crossroads of global trade.
“As a catalyst for Abu Dhabi’s diversification, SAVI is a game changer that will unleash extraordinary economic growth. It will create new opportunities for talent, entrepreneurs, and investors. SAVI is projected to contribute AED90-AED120 billion to the UAE economy and generate 30,000-50,000 jobs. This will create an extended ripple effect benefitting various sectors, and taking our smart, diversified, sustainable Falcon Economy to new heights”.
The launch of Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster follows Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS). It launched by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, in June 2022. The ADIS aims to leverage advanced technologies to harmonise human development, sustainability, and growth. The overarching goal is to propel the region towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
ADIS champions green economy practices. It also promotes Industry 4.0 technologies to drive Abu Dhabi’s transition towards a smart, circular, and sustainable economy.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) are spearheading the development of SAVI. Moreover, this covers the design, testing, and manufacturing of applications for transportation and mobility. It also aims to service other sectors such as logistics. SAVI will build on the strength of Abu Dhabi’s industrial base, leveraging its unparalleled access to established air corridors, road infrastructure. It will also utilize its global network of partners.
The SAVI cluster brings together all relevant stakeholders to advance the development of the value chain and attract companies from all around the world. It enables access to funding and investments, facilitates and funds innovation, and streamlines regulatory services. The cluster also accelerates the adoption of future urban and mobility services. SAVI will house academia, test zones, R&D labs, testing and certification facilities, large scale workshops, hangars, and manufacturing facilities. Moreover, these will be connected through Abu Dhabi’s global logistics network. Underpinning all operations are the local regulators establishing an enabling regulatory framework across air, land, and sea applications. These include the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). They also encompass the Integrated Transport Centre and Abu Dhabi Maritime.
Three dedicated test zones, provided through ADIO’s partnerships with Tawazun Industrial Park (TIP), Miral and Maqta Gateway, part of AD Ports Group. Moreover, the station will enable companies to test and certify applications across air, land and sea. Enabling testing, TIP will make available its Nibras Aerospace Park, runway facilities. An aerospace park for testing and manufacturing companies. The land testing zone in Yas Island, home to F1’s Yas Marina Circuit, offers an established road mobility test bed. It also has a growing number of incorporated technology startups. The sea testing zone in Mussafah Port houses a port and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.
The SAVI cluster will complement existing infrastructure and tap into synergies from shared technologies such as smart electrification. The cluster connectivity, and navigation software. It will also maximise the scope and coverage of applications to serve the future of integrated multi-modal logistics and mobility in the UAE. It is across the region and elsewhere around the world.
As the UAE prepares to host COP28, the launch of Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster will also help to accelerate the adoption of green mobility services and propel the country and wider world towards a zero-emissions future. SAVI will be centred in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, a sustainable development pioneer and a hub for research and development to realise greener, more sustainable urban living.
SAVI launches with immediate scale as many global companies concurrently announce plans to establish operations in Abu Dhabi, with each bringing specialisation in air, land and sea applications.
