Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit Unveils Ambitious Future Plans

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit is set to take place on November 10, 2025, bringing together global industry leaders to discuss critical issues in regulation, integration, and scalability within the autonomous technology sector. Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the summit will highlight advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart mobility, marking a significant step toward shaping the future of autonomous systems.

This summit is a cornerstone of the larger Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, scheduled from November 10 to 15, 2025. It will also feature events such as the DRIFTx exhibition, the RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, and the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). Together, these events aim to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in smart mobility solutions, transitioning autonomy from pilot projects to practical applications that benefit society.

Under the theme “Where the Future of Smart and Autonomous Mobility Takes Shape,” the summit will include 13 sessions with over 30 distinguished speakers. The agenda is designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, operators, investors, and innovators to effectively translate regulations into scalable solutions. The summit will kick off with a Leadership Dialogue focusing on how investment and integration will influence Abu Dhabi’s autonomous economy, outlining commercialization pathways leading to 2030/2040.

A panel session titled Regulating Autonomy will address safety measures and scaling strategies, including cybersecurity and data governance. Following this, discussions will delve into real-world applications, featuring topics like robotaxis, public transport systems, and last-mile delivery models. The session on Powering Autonomy will explore the electrified infrastructure required for city-wide operations, while Human-AI Synergy will look into explainable AI and the importance of human oversight.

Additionally, the summit will emphasize cross-sector collaboration, demonstrating how leaders in mobility, energy, logistics, and technology can form partnerships to unlock viable use cases. The session on Designing Smart Ports and Cities will highlight urban design tailored for autonomous technology, while Urban Air Mobility will address certification and airspace integration.

A notable participant, His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, stated, “Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week reflects our commitment to shaping the era of intelligent autonomy – where machines think, adapt and act alongside us. It’s not just about technology; it’s about reimagining mobility, industry, and the human experience itself.”

The week’s events will commence with the summit on November 10, followed by the DRIFTx exhibition from November 10 to 12, showcasing innovative smart mobility solutions. The RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 will run concurrently, featuring international teams competing in AI-driven robotic challenges for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. The series of events will conclude on November 15 with the second edition of the A2RL, which will showcase cutting-edge autonomous racing technology, boasting a prize pool of $2.25 million.

The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, established in 2024, plays a pivotal role in directing Abu Dhabi’s approach to smart and autonomous technologies. By collaborating with government entities, global innovators, and industry stakeholders, the council aims to create a world-class ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of future technologies.

For those interested in learning more about Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025, further information can be found at autonomous.abudhabi, with media inquiries directed to [email protected]