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Abu Dhabi has intensified efforts to position itself as a global hub for autonomous systems technology following a high-level council meeting chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Deputy President of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs led the Autonomous Smart Systems Council meeting on February 9, 2026, at Al Shati Palace, where officials reviewed outcomes from the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week and outlined plans to accelerate deployment of autonomous systems across key economic sectors.
The council examined results from the six-day event that brought together international experts, policymakers, and researchers to discuss smart mobility and autonomous technology. According to official reports, the week-long program featured specialized exhibitions, panel discussions, and forums focused on autonomous vehicle deployment across land, sea, and air applications in priority economic sectors.
Autonomous Systems Technology Takes Center Stage
Sheikh Hamdan praised efforts by public and private sector entities that contributed to the success of this global event. The initiative aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s competitive position on the global innovation map by consolidating its role in designing, developing, and operating autonomous smart systems, officials said.
The council meeting emphasized transitioning from pilot programs to real-world deployment of autonomous systems in strategically important sectors. Sheikh Hamdan directed authorities to enhance collaboration between government and private sectors to stimulate investment in smart mobility infrastructure development and workforce training.
Economic Diversification Through Advanced Technology
Additionally, the meeting discussed current and future initiatives overseen by the council to support technological and digital transformation in the smart mobility sector. These efforts focus on improving operational performance of autonomous systems across industrial sectors in land, marine, and aerial environments, according to the official statement.
The autonomous systems initiatives align with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to accelerating growth in technology-driven sectors. Meanwhile, officials emphasized creating an attractive investment environment to support knowledge exchange and develop national competencies in this vital field.
Second Edition of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week Planned
In contrast to the inaugural event’s scope, Sheikh Hamdan instructed the organizing committee to expand the second edition by attracting leading global companies and specialized experts in autonomous smart systems technology. The directive emphasized competitive events designed to encourage and nurture talent while highlighting the national innovation ecosystem in future technologies.
However, the organizing committee must submit a comprehensive report to the Autonomous Smart Systems Council before announcing dates for the second edition. Officials indicated the expanded event will open participation to local, regional, and international entities to showcase the latest technical solutions and technological innovations in smart mobility.
Strategic Leadership and Economic Vision
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, and several ministers and department heads. Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, participated alongside heads of key Abu Dhabi government entities responsible for municipalities, transport, economic development, and investment promotion.
The council’s directives underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a knowledge and innovation-based national economy through advanced technology adoption. According to officials, these initiatives aim to achieve sustainable economic development and enhance the national economy’s competitiveness over the medium and long term by supporting research and development infrastructure and accelerating future technology integration across commercial, industrial, and logistics sectors.
The organizing committee is expected to begin preparations for the second Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Week, though the exact timeline for the event announcement remains to be determined pending completion of the comprehensive planning report.
