Business Desk 
Oct 01, 2025
Self-driving pods will be introduced in Abu Dhabi by Abu Dhabi Transport Company (ADT) by the end of this year, marking a major advancement in the city's transportation industry.
The Urbanloop autonomous transport system has been tested on Reem Island and is being modified to withstand the intense heat and dust of the area.
The ADT CEO, Sebastian Mangeant, stated that the Urbanloop module is prepared and should be available for public use by the end of this year or the beginning of next year.
Bicycles and wheelchairs can be accommodated in the pods, which have a maximum capacity of eight passengers and come in smaller and larger sizes.
By enabling pods to go straight to their destination and avoid intermediate stations, the Urbanloop system aims to alleviate traffic.
The system fits in with the UAE's sustainability objectives with its low energy consumption and minimal setup requirements,
The technology, according to experts, may be crucial in resolving first- and last-mile issues, especially for Etihad Rail passengers.
"We can lessen our dependency on private vehicles and encourage shared mobility by integrating the rail network with autonomous vehicles," stated Space 42's Smart Solutions division CEO, Hasan Al Hosani.
In the United Arab Emirates, the self-driving pods are currently operating at a speed of roughly 20 km/h; in France, tests have shown them to reach 50 km/h.
Abu Dhabi's transport is about to undergo a revolution thanks to the Urbanloop system's creative design and potential to ease traffic.
At the Global Rail Conference in Abu Dhabi, a prototype pod was presented, providing an overview of the city's upcoming transit system.
