Khaled hails efforts of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council

His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has attended the second edition of the DRIFTx exhibition, organised by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Khaled commended the efforts of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation and next-generation autonomous solutions, supporting the emirate’s economic vision to develop an advanced infrastructure that strengthens its global leadership in technology, AI and their implementation across key sectors.

Held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week and organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the international exhibition brings together leading global experts in the smart mobility sector to discuss the latest technological innovations shaping the future of autonomous systems.

The event also aims to foster a competitive environment that enhances the efficiency of this vital sector by promoting sustainable mobility solutions that improve quality of life.

Sheikh Khaled, accompanied by Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, toured the exhibition, visiting the pavilions of leading national and international companies participating in DRIFTx. The exhibition features live showcases and interactive demonstrations of next-generation smart mobility technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, autonomous vehicles and vessels and advanced robotic systems.

Sheikh Khaled reviewed the latest innovations presented by participating entities aimed at enhancing logistics and transport ecosystems through the adoption of smart mobility solutions across air, land, sea and robotics, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision to integrate industrial innovation with the future of mobility.

Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Department of Municipalities and Transport; Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; and Badr Salim Al Olama, Director-General of the ADIO.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has chaired a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Adnoc Board of Directors, held at the company’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, His Highness reviewed Adnoc’s performance and strategic priorities for the coming period, including its plans to drive domestic growth and expand internationally through its global arm, XRG.

The discussions also covered Adnoc’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation by deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and its continued commitment to empowering and developing national talent across key areas of the energy sector.

He underscored the success of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2025, hosted by Adnoc, and its vital role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on the future of energy, while reinforcing the UAE’s status as a trusted global partner in advancing energy security and sustainability.

ADIPEC 2025 delivered Dhs168.8 billion ($46 billion) through 35,000 cross-sector deals and brought together a record number of attendees, with more than 239,000 people from 172 countries, reaffirming UAE’s convening power and role as a global hub for energy, partnerships and innovation.

At ADIPEC, Adnoc announced a series of agreements aimed at driving international growth through XRG, harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and maximising value for the UAE.

He commended Adnoc for these milestones and underlined the importance of remaining competitive in a rapidly global energy landscape.

Adnoc’s announcements included a contract awarded by TA’ZIZ to build the UAE’s first integrated single-site polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production complex. XRG also entered into a framework agreement with Argentina’s YPF and Italy’s Eni to evaluate participation in an integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Argentina.

Attending the meeting were Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO; Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company; and Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Finance.

Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also met with Makoto Fujiwara, Executive Director of Tokyo National Museum.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities to enhance cultural cooperation in research, education and professional development within the museum sector, as well as ways to expand cultural and knowledge exchange in museums and heritage.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Bin Zayed underscored the importance of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and building bridges of international cultural cooperation by supporting initiatives that promote cultural diversity and introduce future generations to the human and civilisational heritage of nations around the world.

WAM