Abu dhabi: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an entity under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has forged numerous strategic partnerships with key local and international organizations during DRIFTx 2025. This event is part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025, orchestrated by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC).
According to Emirates News Agency, these alliances are integral to ITC’s mission to create a smart and integrated mobility network in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to support the emirate’s future vision by advancing autonomous systems and operations across advanced air mobility, marine transport, and autonomous logistics. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance cooperation in digital infrastructure and next-generation connectivity.
These agreements underscore ITC’s dedication to integrating transport modes and adopting modern technologies, which promote sustainability and quality of life. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead the future of smart and autonomous mobility through active partnerships and a conducive environment for investment and innovation.
Dr. Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of ITC, emphasized the agency’s pivotal role in transitioning toward smart and sustainable mobility across air, land, and sea. Through collaborations with national and international partners, ITC is poised to adopt innovative solutions, deploying autonomous buses and trucks, heavy-lift drones, and electric marine vessels to maintain high safety and efficiency standards, thereby enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global stature.
A notable agreement was inked between ITC and the Cyber Security Council to bolster ICT-related cybersecurity and cultivate national capabilities to protect Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility ecosystem. This partnership focuses on resource pooling and establishing a secure digital environment that supports the country’s digital transformation.
Additionally, ITC has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Tensor Auto Inc. to facilitate the commercial operation of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. This collaboration aims to create a robust ecosystem for autonomous driving expertise and prepare Abu Dhabi for future mobility solutions.
The ITC also joined forces with SkyDrive, a Japanese company specializing in eVTOL aircraft, to advance air mobility applications. This agreement focuses on technical studies and pilot operations, potentially expanding to include manufacturing and maintenance processes.
Further, ITC has aligned with Glydways and Benteler Mobility to explore autonomous and sustainable mobility solutions, aiming to enhance Abu Dhabi’s integrated mobility network. These agreements include data sharing and regulatory standard development, with pilot projects to test the feasibility of new technologies.
In the realm of maritime transport, ITC, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Blue Gulf Group are collaborating to accelerate autonomous marine vessel applications. This partnership aims to develop opportunities for testing autonomous marine vehicles, contributing to smart and sustainable maritime transport.
Moreover, ITC’s agreement with e and a global technology group focuses on advancing autonomous driving technologies through infrastructure and connectivity solutions. This includes exploring smart city projects and providing Wi-Fi services on autonomous vehicles.
ITC is also implementing a pilot project with e and using AI-powered drones for real-time traffic monitoring. This initiative aims to enhance traffic management, ensuring smoother flow and improved road safety across Abu Dhabi.
Lastly, ITC has partnered with Sinaha Technology to enhance autonomous technologies in logistics, including self-driving trucks and heavy-lift drones. This collaboration aims to improve logistics efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, supporting Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation in the logistics sector.