From autonomous taxis and mini robo-buses to seagliders and AI traffic drones, transport in Abu Dhabi is levelling up
Abu Dhabi is accelerating into the future with a wave of transport innovations designed to make daily travel faster, safer, and more sustainable.
From expanded driverless taxis and electric seagliders to AI-powered traffic drones and autonomous logistics, the capital is laying the foundations for a fully integrated smart mobility ecosystem.
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Backed by international technology partners and led by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), these initiatives span land, sea, air, and digital infrastructure.
Together, they reflect Abu Dhabi’s ambition to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and redefine how residents and visitors move across the emirate in the years ahead. So what does the capital have in store for us? Here’s what we know…
Massive transport changes coming to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail is finally launching in 2026, after years of much anticipation. The first passenger journeys are set to launch in the next few months, with initial routes connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai in around 60 minutes, and Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in approximately 90 minutes.
Passengers in the capital will board from Mohamed bin Zayed City, but additional stations across the emirate (including Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa and Al Faya) have also been announced.
Modern trains with Wi-Fi and seating for 400 passengers promise to transform how people travel across the UAE.
Light Rail network
Connecting hotspots around Yas Island, this will be a very handy service in this part of Abu Dhabi. Phase one will run between Al Raha Beach, Etihad Plaza and Zayed International Airport, with the southern parts of Yas Island (including Yas Mall and SeaWorld) being added later. Services are expected by 2030, so we still have a few years to go.
Urban Loop
The Urban Loop is a self-driving, energy-efficient system that will begin pilot operations at two locations in Al Reem Island later this year. It will run 24/7 and link seamlessly with buses and smart mobility services.
More driverless taxis
Abu Dhabi’s Robotaxi service has entered a major expansion phase, bringing autonomous travel into everyday life.
Self-driving cabs have started operating in Khalifa City, Masdar City, and Rabdan, with new routes also connecting Abu Dhabi Corniche to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Operated by WeRide in partnership with Uber, the service is booked directly through the Uber app and has recorded a 99.9 per cent safety rate.
Initially limited to Yas Island, Al Saadiyat, Al Reem, Al Maryah Islands, and Zayed International Airport, the growing network signals increasing public confidence in autonomous transport.
AI-powered traffic-monitoring drones
Traffic management in Abu Dhabi is getting upgraded through a pilot project with e& and ITC, which has deployed AI-powered drones to monitor live traffic conditions.
Streaming real-time footage to the Traffic Management Centre, the drones help authorities identify congestion, accidents, and illegal parking faster than traditional methods.
By analysing data instantly, the system supports quicker interventions, smoother traffic flow, and improved road safety, particularly during peak travel periods.
Mini robo-buses
Mini robo-buses are being tested as part of Abu Dhabi’s push toward smarter shared transport.
In collaboration with Benteler Mobility, ITC is assessing how compact, autonomous buses could support first- and last-mile connectivity.
The project includes mobility-needs analysis, regulatory assessments, and pilot operations, overseen by a dedicated ITC task force.
These vehicles could play a key role in connecting residential areas with public transport hubs.
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Automated mass-transit networks
Abu Dhabi is also exploring automated mass-transit solutions through a partnership with Glydways.
The system uses autonomous electric vehicles operating on dedicated guideways to provide on-demand, zero-emission transport.
Designed to complement existing infrastructure, the concept aims to improve urban connectivity while reducing construction and operating costs compared to traditional rail systems.
Electric air taxis
Abu Dhabi is also officially taking transport to the skies. The emirate is gearing up to welcome electric air taxis, thanks to a new push by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and US firm Archer Aviation. The plan kicked off with piloted Midnight eVTOL aircraft, designed to be quieter, cleaner, and far cooler than traditional helicopters.
The air taxis are already being tested and certified locally, with training happening right here in the capital, all supported by aviation and transport authorities. With vertiports already planned and traffic-busting ambitions in place, Abu Dhabi’s future commute is coming to you with a view.
Seagliders
A completely new form of transport is coming to Abu Dhabi’s coastline: fully electric seagliders. Operating just above the water’s surface, these futuristic vessels are set to launch routes between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhafra by 2028.
Developed by VERSA Advanced Maritime Services in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, ITC, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the vessels promise faster travel times with zero emissions.
While operational details are still being finalised, the long-term vision includes expanding routes across the emirate and potentially the wider UAE.
Autonomous marine mobility
In addition to seagliders, Abu Dhabi is studying autonomous marine vessels with Blue Gulf Group.
Trials will assess feasibility, safety standards, and environmental impact, supporting smarter and more sustainable maritime operations.
High-speed connectivity inside autonomous vehicles
A partnership with e& will deliver advanced 5G and 5.5G connectivity for autonomous transport.
The initiative includes on-board Wi-Fi for passengers and supports data-heavy autonomous driving systems across the city.
Autonomous logistics and cybersecurity
Driverless trucks and heavy-lift cargo drones are also being developed with Sinaha Technology to modernise logistics and reduce emissions.
At the same time, ITC’s collaboration with the UAE Cyber Security Council ensures strong digital protection across Abu Dhabi’s growing mobility ecosystem.
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