In a groundbreaking move for autonomous transportation, Abu Dhabi has successfully secured insurance for self-driving vehicles within the city, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s push toward advanced technological integration. Faisal Al Bannai, adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, announced this achievement during the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit 2025. He highlighted that the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council has been actively addressing regulatory and insurance challenges, which have historically been major barriers to the deployment of autonomous systems globally. Al Bannai emphasized the city’s rapid progress, citing an example where autonomous cargo vehicles were tested and insured within just 45 days—a feat that left industry stakeholders astonished. He urged companies working with autonomous technologies, including drones and robotics, to focus their efforts on Abu Dhabi, describing it as the ideal hub for innovation. The UAE capital is already home to operational autonomous vehicles, with plans to introduce flying taxis in the near future. Al Bannai also revealed that Abu Dhabi is developing its own robotics AI model and autonomous platforms, positioning the UAE as a global leader in the autonomous technology race by 2026. The city aims to make 25% of trips autonomous by 2040, with some sectors expected to exceed this target. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities & Transport – Abu Dhabi, reinforced this vision, stating that Abu Dhabi is not just imagining the future but actively creating and deploying it. The city’s recent ranking as the fifth-best Smart City globally underscores its commitment to embedding innovation into everyday life.
Abu Dhabi secures insurance for autonomous cars in city, says official
