Abu Dhabi recognises modular smart vehicles as new road category in global 1st for emirate

Home Transport Under supervision of Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) recognises modular smart vehicles as new road category in global 1st for emirate
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, has announced a groundbreaking global milestone during DRIFTx 2025, held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council.

Abu Dhabi has officially become the first city in the world to recognise modular vehicles that are smart and reconfigurable and can be connected or separated based on operational needs, as a new and independent category of road vehicles. Developed by NExT, this marks a transformative moment in global mobility policy and innovation.

This recognition is grounded in rigorous scientific research, supported by published studies from leading institutions in New York and Abu Dhabi, as well as international awards and real-world trials that have demonstrated the system’s potential to enhance road efficiency, improve sustainability, and increase flexibility in urban mobility.

Modular vehicles are distinguished by their ability to adapt to operational demand, connecting or detaching units based on number of passengers or use case, optimising traffic flow, reducing congestion, and minimising carbon emissions with exceptional efficiency.

ITC is leading this transformation in partnership with Emirates Driving Company (EDC), Liftango, and Paradigma Innovation Hub, to conduct the world’s first pilot operation of these multi-unit modular smart vehicles on Yas Island, paving the way for a new era of intelligent transport in the capital.

Beyond improving road mobility, these vehicles serve as a transitional platform for developing smart operating systems and remote-control capabilities, part of ITC’s long-term initiatives to gradually expand autonomous driving applications across Abu Dhabi.

Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said: “The Integrated Transport Centre continues to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovative mobility technologies through pioneering initiatives that tangibly enhance the transport system’s efficiency and sustainability. The adoption of modular smart vehicles represents a strategic step forward in advancing the Emirate’s vision for a more integrated and intelligent mobility ecosystem.”

Antonio Guadagnino, CIO of NexT, said: "We are thrilled to contribute with NExT to a concrete and immediately deployable solution that requires no new infrastructure to drastically reduce traffic congestion and enhance first and last mile services—two critical needs that we strongly believe will define mobility across Gulf countries for the next decade."

With this milestone, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its global leadership in the advancement of smart transport systems through ambitious visions and strategic partnerships, reaffirming its status as a world-leading destination for innovation in future mobility and sustainable transport solutions.