Abu Dhabi opens control room to monitor autonomous vehicles
Advanced platform will track routes, manage permits and support real-time operations
Abu Dhabi: Under supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has inaugurated a central control room dedicated to managing and monitoring autonomous vehicle (AV) operations across Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, and Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT.
This strategic step aims to enhance direct supervision and effective regulation of the sector through advanced systems for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and decision support, ensuring the highest levels of safety and operational efficiency.
Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
The inauguration of the control room comes amid the continuous expansion of autonomous vehicle services in the emirate, highlighting the importance of developing regulatory mechanisms that keep pace with the rapid growth of this sector.
The ITC stated that the control room ensures all monitoring and response activities align with designated schedules and regulatory requirements, allowing immediate monitoring of autonomous vehicle movement and rapid response to any operational or emergency situations, in accordance with approved procedures, thereby enhancing road safety.
The control room is equipped with advanced monitoring and operational systems, including a centralised supervision system. It also incorporates an integrated platform for the operation and testing of autonomous vehicles (AViTOMS), enabling real-time tracking of vehicle locations, speeds, and routes.
It also enables comprehensive trip recording and analysis, coordinated emergency response management with relevant authorities, and the generation of periodic data-driven reports to enhance routing and optimise operational efficiency. In addition, the platform manages the process of issuing permits and approving operational routes.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of ITC, said, "The inauguration of the central control room represents a key milestone in the development of the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi. It responds to the rapid adoption of smart mobility technologies, which require an advanced supervisory system to ensure real-time monitoring and efficient risk management. Through this control room, we establish an integrated approach combining technical capabilities and regulatory frameworks, enhancing the emirate’s readiness to operate autonomous vehicles within a safe and organised environment that builds trust and road safety."
Hamad Adel Al Afeefi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Sector, said, “The centre’s initiatives reflect a significant shift toward an integrated digital services model that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the smart transportation sector.”
The control room covers all autonomous vehicle services operated by licensed providers in the emirate, strengthening oversight, supporting the sector’s rapid growth, and fostering a regulatory environment that ensures smart mobility solutions are adopted with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
