The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has launched the first system of special license plates for testing and commercial autonomous vehicles, accelerating the adoption of intelligent mobility technologies.
These new plates feature a unified blue design and contain clear designations: 'Auto Drive' for vehicles providing commercial autonomous services, and 'Test' for vehicles participating in pilot programs and trials.
The introduction of this system is intended to help relevant authorities monitor the operation of autonomous vehicles, promote road safety, and ensure that operating companies comply with approved technical and operational standards.
This step is part of Abu Dhabi's broader efforts to expand its autonomous transport ecosystem. On July 10, the emirate opened a central control center designed to manage and monitor autonomous vehicle operations across Abu Dhabi.
This center was established by the Abu Dhabi Mobility Integrated Transport Center under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
The central point enhances supervision over drone activities through advanced systems for data analysis, decision-making, and real-time monitoring, which contributes to increasing the efficiency and safety of the sector as it grows.
According to Abu Dhabi Mobility, this base allows authorities to track the movements of autonomous vehicles, control routes and speed, coordinate emergency responses, and generate data-based reports for process optimization. Furthermore, it supports permit management and approval of operating routes.
The launch of the plates comes amid Abu Dhabi's general efforts to create a regulatory framework for autonomous mobility. On June 27, the emirate issued new guidelines regulating the testing of small maritime vessels controlled autonomously and remotely.
The 'Requirements and Controls for Testing Autonomous Marine Vessels' framework introduces a mandatory permitting system to regulate testing activities, while ensuring safety at sea, protection of life and property, and preservation of the marine environment.
A central control center for managing and monitoring the operation of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been opened in Abu Dhabi. This center belongs to the Abu Dhabi Mobility Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), which is an affiliated unit of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
This strategic step aims to strengthen direct supervision and effective regulation of this sector by utilizing advanced systems for data analysis, decision support, and real-time monitoring. This ensures the highest level of operational efficiency and safety.
The ITC emphasized that the control center guarantees that all monitoring and response activities comply with approved procedures and regulatory requirements. It allows for the prompt tracking of AV movement and rapid response to any emergency or operational situations, thereby enhancing road safety.
The center is equipped with sophisticated monitoring and operation systems, including a centralized surveillance system. It also includes an integrated platform for the operation and testing of AVs (AViTOMS). This platform enables the real-time tracking of vehicle location, speed, and routes.
Furthermore, the system provides comprehensive trip recording and analysis, coordinated emergency response management with relevant authorities, and the generation of periodic data-based reports to optimize routing and improve overall operational efficiency. The platform also manages the process of issuing permits and approving operational routes.
Dr. Abdullah Hamad Al Ghafeli, Acting CEO of the ITC, noted that the opening of the center is a significant milestone in the development of the regulatory framework for AVs in Abu Dhabi. He stated that this responds to the rapid growth in the adoption of intelligent mobility technologies, which require an advanced surveillance system to ensure effective risk management and real-time monitoring. Through this center, an integrated approach is created, combining technical capabilities and regulatory frameworks, which increases the emirate's readiness for safe and organized use of AVs.
Hamad Adel Al Afi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transport Systems Sector, added that the center's initiatives reflect a significant shift towards an integrated digital services model, strengthening Abu Dhabi's leadership in smart transport.
The control center oversees all AV services provided by licensed operators in the emirate, which enhances supervision, supports the rapid growth of the sector, and contributes to forming a regulatory environment where smart mobility solutions are implemented in compliance with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
A system for paid parking without the use of physical tickets and barriers has been launched on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi across three main areas on the island.
This new system is being implemented in cooperation with one of the country's leading operator companies, Parkonic. It will allow drivers to enter and exit the specified locations, with the parking fee automatically debited from Salik accounts based on license plate recognition.
Payments can be made in three ways: via a QR code on site, automatically through Salik, or using the Parkonic application.
At West Yas Plaza, visitors can park their car free for the first hour daily. After this time, tariffs change depending on the limit exceeded. The cost is 10 dirhams per hour and any part of an hour, 20 dirhams per hour for overnight parking (from 1:00 to 6:00), and 20 dirhams per hour when exceeding 24 hours. It is important to note that cash payments and parking machines are unavailable in this area.
Paid services are valid from Monday to Sunday, as well as during public holidays. If a visitor re-enters West Yas Plaza after using the free hour, it is considered a new entry, and the right to free parking is not restored.
In the underground parking lots of Yas Bay P1 and P2, payment starts from the first hour, except under certain conditions. Guests are provided with three hours of free parking after validation. Additionally, guests visiting the warehouse gym and beaches of Yas Bay are granted six hours of free parking during working hours after validation.
Current rates include 20 dirhams for the first hour, 10 dirhams for the subsequent hour and part of an hour, 20 dirhams per hour for overnight parking (from 1:00 to 6:00), and 20 dirhams per hour when exceeding 24 hours. Parking is paid from Monday to Sunday and during public holidays.
In Yas Marina, the ticketless paid parking system is effective from the first hour, with some exceptions. Guests are entitled to three hours of free parking after validation, while gym visitors can use free parking for six hours during working hours after validation.
The tariffs here are similar: 20 dirhams for the first hour, 10 dirhams for the subsequent hour and part of an hour, 20 dirhams per hour for overnight parking (from 1:00 to 6:00), and 20 dirhams per hour when exceeding 24 hours. Drivers who do not have a Salik account or have insufficient balance must use an alternative payment method before exiting. Failure to pay applicable fees may result in fines, blacklisting, and/or legal action.
