Abu Dhabi just gave “no-contact delivery” a whole new meaning—literally. The capital has rolled out its first-ever pilot programme for autonomous delivery vehicles in Masdar City, and yes, they even come with their very own license plates.
Supervised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and powered by a partnership between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and logistics powerhouse 7X (via its arm EMX), these futuristic four-wheelers are ready to redefine last-mile delivery.
From sci-fi to the streets
The star of the show is the Autogo, developed by K2 (a subsidiary of EMX). These vehicles are equipped with AI-driven smart mobility systems that allow them to weave through Abu Dhabi’s urban streets without a human in sight. Just place your order, and voilà—your package shows up, no driver required.
The pilot kicks off in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s sustainability hub, with plans for expansion across the emirate. By 2040, Abu Dhabi wants 25% of all trips to be made using smart transport solutions, building on earlier moves like self-driving taxis.
Why this matters for Abu Dhabi
This isn’t just about showing off cool tech—it’s about shaping the future of logistics. These autonomous delivery vehicles are expected to:
- Cut down congestion
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Speed up delivery times
- Improve urban quality of life
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Mobility, called it a “pivotal milestone” for the city’s transport vision. Meanwhile, Tariq Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, stressed that this is just the beginning of a smarter, greener logistics model for the UAE.
What’s next?
Autogo’s fleet won’t just stay parked in Masdar. Plans are already in motion for a full-scale commercial rollout, covering wider public areas and partnering with new stakeholders. And with the backing of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, Abu Dhabi isn’t just importing futuristic tech—it’s actively building the infrastructure and manufacturing base to lead the industry.
