The inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit has announced its comprehensive program, set to take place on November 10, 2025. The event will bring together global industry leaders to address pressing issues in the sector, including regulation, integration, and scalability, alongside the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart mobility.
Organized by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and part of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW), this summit aims to define the future of smart and autonomous mobility. It will emphasize Abu Dhabi”s role as a global testing ground where autonomy is evolving from pilot initiatives to public benefits across land, sea, air, and robotics, as well as in industrial applications.
Under the theme “Where the Future of Smart and Autonomous Mobility is Shaped,” the summit will feature 13 sessions and more than 30 speakers. The goal is to enhance collaboration between policymakers, operators, investors, and innovators to translate regulation into real-world applications.
The summit will start with a Leadership Dialogue focusing on how investment, integration, and innovation will shape Abu Dhabi”s autonomous economy, outlining commercialization pathways leading up to 2030 and 2040. It will also discuss public-private partnerships necessary for achieving these goals, along with governance and infrastructure supporting resilient and integrated cities.
A dedicated panel on Autonomy Regulation will implement the principle of “Safety First, Then Scalability,” addressing issues ranging from cybersecurity and data governance to building and measuring public trust. The agenda will emphasize deployment through the initiative “From Concept to Reality,” showcasing developments in robotaxis, public transportation, and scalable last-mile delivery models.
Furthermore, the summit will delve into autonomy in electrified and resilient infrastructure that will support urban operations. The synergy between humans and AI will investigate explainable AI, human oversight, and service designs that clearly communicate risks. AI-based decision-making will explore real-time AI stacks, including drones, smart roads, and secure edge and cloud logistics.
An interdisciplinary collaboration session will illustrate how leaders in mobility, energy, logistics, and technology will establish partnerships to develop viable use cases. The design of smart ports and cities will detail urban planning prepared for autonomy and industrial applications. Urban air mobility will examine certification, airspace integration, and connectivity between ports, airports, and districts.
The session “Smart Cities in Action” will share real-world transformations, while financing and securing new asset classes will adapt capital models and coverage for next-generation platforms.
Key industry speakers at the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit include Sherif Tawfik from G42, Tony Xu Han from WeRide, and Nikhil Goel from Archer Aviation, among others. Notable government officials such as His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, President of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, will also participate.
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 is not just about technology; it is about reimagining mobility, industry, and the human experience.”
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week program is set to commence on November 10 with the summit, followed by various events including the DRIFTx exhibition and RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025, concluding with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League on November 15.
For further details about the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025, visit autonomous.abudhabi and follow us on social media at @autonomousad. Accredited media can register their interest and request interviews with confirmed speakers via [email protected].
The Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, established in 2024, is dedicated to defining the strategy for Abu Dhabi”s intelligent and autonomous technologies sector. By driving policies, regulations, investments, and innovation through collaboration with government entities and global innovators, SASC aims to create a top-tier ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of future technologies, establishing it as a leading global hub for smart mobility and autonomous systems.
About Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week: ADAW serves as the emirate”s flagship platform for advancing smart mobility and autonomous systems across land, sea, air, robotics, and industry. The inaugural edition will connect global industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and investors to collaborate and shape the future of autonomous technology.
