The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announced that Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY), a California-based company developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, plans to participate in the Emirate’s new Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster.

Centred in Masdar City, the cluster provides state-of-the art facilities and value-add services within an enabling regulatory environment for companies developing advanced technologies across air, land, and sea mobility applications. Joby Aviation, which plans to launch commercial passenger services using its piloted, five seat aircraft in 2025, expects to establish a footprint in the cluster to support the maturation of technology that will enable it to fly its aircraft autonomously in the future.

Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “ADIO looks forward to welcoming Joby Aviation to Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster, which is attracting innovators from across the globe. Joby Aviation adds further scale and specialisation to the cluster and will be a catalyst for the accelerated development of air mobility applications. As the cluster grows, the positive impact on the broader Abu Dhabi economy will be felt in related industries such as manufacturing, software development, logistics, and testing and certification.”

 ADIO will support Joby Aviation by connecting them with relevant partners across the Abu Dhabi ecosystem, including regulators, relevant government departments and potential investors.

 "Autonomous flight has the potential to unlock important benefits for our customers over the long term,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation. “We welcome the opportunity to participate in the SAVI cluster and look forward to collaborating with the team at ADIO as we work towards our mission of delivering fast, quiet and convenient air taxi service in cities around the world.”

 Abu Dhabi’s extensive multi-modal cluster is designed to transform the direction of smart and autonomous vehicles across air, land and sea. Companies will have access to academia, sandboxes, R&D labs, testing and certification facilities, large scale workshops, hangars, manufacturing facilities, and global logistics integration.

Following the launch of its global cluster for Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi is uniting key local regulatory authorities to expand the enabling regulatory framework to streamline applications across air, land and sea.

ADIO is working with four regulators to establish an enabling environment for SAVI applications. These include the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and Abu Dhabi Maritime.

To accelerate innovation and commercialisation, Abu Dhabi is creating a one-stop-shop regulatory service for certification, licensing, authorisations and Intellectual property (IP) management. Comprehensive, growth-enabling regulatory support will be a key factor to attract key global players and promote the adoption of future smart and autonomous applications in the UAE and beyond.

Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: "Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a hub for export-driven innovation, developing solutions with global impact and reach. Over the years, we have created thriving business sectors, cementing our position as one of the fastest places in the world to do business. Regulation is of utmost importance when it comes to disruptive technologies, and we are setting the standard for simplifying and progressing regulatory enablement by bringing together stakeholders to support the development of a thriving smart and autonomous vehicle industry cluster.”

H.E Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), emphasised, "The UAE has firmly established itself as a hub for innovation and an incubator for emerging technologies. Among its primary areas of focus, the transportation sector takes the forefront, given its critical role in advancing the country's capabilities in smart and future cities technology. Through this pioneering initiative, a collaborative endeavour is underway to bring together stakeholders dedicated to promoting innovation in transportation systems, spanning air, land, and sea. The General Civil Aviation Authority is committed to creating a supportive environment for the adoption and integration of smart and future mobility technologies in the aviation sector, in line with the country’s commitment to move towards a more adaptable economic model that prioritises sustainability and future-readiness.”

Capt. Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster of AD Ports Group, said: “Supporting the growth of smart and autonomous vehicle applications on water is in line with Abu Dhabi Maritime’s mission to support economic growth. As the custodians of Abu Dhabi’s waterways, we are focused on maintaining a regulatory framework that enables innovation to thrive while ensuring the highest standards of safety and sustainability are maintained. This thinking is at the core of the Emirate’s new SAVI cluster.”

ADDED and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) collaboratively spearheaded the creation of the fully integrated SAVI cluster covering the design, testing and manufacturing of smart and autonomous transportation and mobility vehicles. The newly formed cluster will provide state-of-the-art facilities, services, and regulatory enablement to attract and support innovation and commercialisation of advanced autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies in the UAE, unlocking their full global potential.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIE) ("Faraday Future", “FF” or "Company"), today announced that FF is set to bring its generative AI and advanced intelligent electric vehicle capabilities to the UAE capital’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster. Faraday Future, which recently launched its limited-edition FF 91 2.0 Futurist aiFalcon model in the Middle East, joins a growing cohort of companies committing to establishing a presence in the SAVI cluster.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, FF designs and engineers next-generation intelligent electric connected vehicles focused on Ultimate Intelligent TechLuxury. The company has developed a generative AI product stack for use in its cars.  ADIO will work with FF as it looks to establish a regional headquarters, manufacturing facility and an advanced research and development (R&D) centre focusing on next-generation electric vehicle and AI technology in Abu Dhabi and exploring UAE capital markets activities. ADIO and FF will also deploy resources to develop leading regulatory frameworks that enhance the creation of advanced smart autonomous vehicle solutions and applications.

Centred in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s fully integrated SAVI cluster provides state-of-the-art facilities, services, and regulatory enablement to support the design, testing, and manufacturing of applications for transportation and mobility on air, land and sea, as well as to service other sectors, such as logistics.

Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “SAVI stands at the forefront of innovation across air, land and sea mobility. The cluster is attracting exceptional companies with both the ambition and the ability to disrupt and reshape the future of transportation. FF will deepen Abu Dhabi’s EV industry while bringing new expertise in generative AI and shared intelligent mobility.”

FF’s Abu Dhabi R&D centre will look to accelerate the pace of AI and electric vehicle innovation for mobility applications. It will also explore collaborations and technology transfer initiatives with universities across Abu Dhabi.

"This collaboration with ADIO to support SAVI’s efforts helps to explore both joint brand product and partnership opportunities in the UAE and will build on the company’s momentum,” said Matthias Aydt, Global CEO of FF. “In addition to our recently announced plans to enter the UAE market as early as 2024 with FF 91 2.0 Futurist aiFalcon model, this agreement is a strong first step toward realising that goal. We believe this development further validates FF's global strategy plans and our products and technology, given that the UAE is one of the top luxury markets in the global automotive industry.”

“We are very excited to be able to support this collaboration. We really appreciate FF’s strategic partners and FF Middle East board members, Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi, CEO of Master Investment Group and Mr. Ahmed Al Otaiba, Chairman of Siraj Holding LLC, for their great contributions. We look forward to a successful long-term partnership and bringing unique value to support SAVI’s vision and development,” said Jerry Wang, President of FF Global Partners LLC.

Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster builds on the strength of Abu Dhabi’s industrial base and supports the UAE’s target of half of all cars on the roads being electric by 2050. SAVI leverages Abu Dhabi’s unparalleled access to established air corridors, road infrastructure and global seaports. The cluster houses academia, test zones, R&D labs, testing and certification facilities, large scale workshops, hangars and manufacturing facilities, connected through Abu Dhabi’s global logistics network.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced plans to support new community market projects to enhance the quality of life for residents in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

Four Musataha agreements were signed with the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society to establish, manage and run supermarkets and hypermarkets in strategic locations across Al Wathba community centres, as part of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority’s (ADHA) residential complexes.

The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, and Affan Alkhouri, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society.

The new community markets will enhance the existing infrastructure and quality of life for residents of ADHA’s residential projects as part of ongoing initiatives under the Abu Dhabi Government’s plan to leverage public-private partnerships to achieve strategic objectives of the emirate, which places the wellbeing of citizens and residents on top of its priorities.

The new Musataha project reflects ADIO’s commitment to growing Abu Dhabi’s private sector and diversifying its economy through providing investors with access to the emirate’s ecosystem, public landbank and major infrastructure projects. The agreement involves a partnership period of seven years to serve residents across Al Wathba.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: “We are proud to be part of this important community initiative to enhance the quality of life for residents in Al Wathba. The wellbeing of citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi is the compass guiding our growing Falcon Economy towards a more prosperous, diversified, inclusive and sustainable economy. To this end, we are forging ahead with efforts to enhance smart partnerships between public and private sectors, and provide promising investment opportunities for local and international players alike to play a major role in socio-economic development.

“Musataha continues to be one of our key offerings as part of our mandate to empower investors to move further and faster towards their business goals by connecting them to the larger ecosystem. ADIO plays an active role in promoting private and public partnerships, and the long-term, stable nature of Musataha agreements contributes towards this goal.”

As a partner in this new community development, Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society is embarking on an exciting new chapter to drive innovation in the UAE retail landscape and enable economic growth and local empowerment. The organisation now spans 120 stores across multiple distinct brands, amplifying its impact in hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board, Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, said: "I am thrilled to witness the culmination of our vision as we embark on this transformative journey. The partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the signing of Musataha agreements for community markets in Al Wathba mark a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for residents. This endeavour aligns with our commitment to fostering a prosperous, diversified, and inclusive economy, placing the wellbeing of our citizens at the forefront. Together with ADIO, we are forging a path of sustainable development and community empowerment, creating lasting positive impact for generations to come."

In line with its commitment to support communities across Abu Dhabi, ADIO has developed a pipeline of Musataha agreements to enable key projects in the emirate.

Abu Dhabi’s newly formed, fully integrated global cluster for Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) is set to drive real change and far-reaching global impact towards promoting the adoption of future mobility services. As the emirate sets the new standard for future transportation and sustainable mobility, the Masdar City headquartered cluster will provide global players with access to state-of-the-art R&D and testing facilities.

Abu Dhabi continues to promote the growth of advanced manufacturing and industrial activity, as it looks to double the contribution of its manufacturing sector to its GDP by 2031. Smart and autonomous vehicles will play a key role in achieving Abu Dhabi’s goals of economic diversification and establishing a knowledge-based economy.

Featuring the entire SAVI value chain in one location, Abu Dhabi’s pioneering cluster offers state-of-the-art facilities and an enabling regulatory environment to support innovation and the commercialisation of smart and autonomous technologies. The cluster is support by a robust ecosystem featuring key Abu Dhabi players, where ADIO is partnering with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Khalifa University and Hub71 to drive research and innovation efforts. Furthermore, the SAVI cluster will encompass hardware and software R&D labs, small workshops, 3D printing and simulation facilities.

Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “Abu Dhabi is transitioning steadily towards a knowledge-driven economy, where over half of the emirate's GDP now comes from its non-oil sectors. The future of mobility is a key global area of focus, and the newly formed SAVI cluster further advances the emirate’s ambitions of leveraging technology for economic and social advancement, whilst emphasising the development of sustainable projects.”

SAVI will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position in attracting leading regional and global innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and talent. Housing state-of-the-art research capabilities, alongside original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers will foster meaningful collaborations, enabling synergies and driving exports from locally-developed, homegrown businesses to the world. The SAVI cluster will promote knowledge transfer and the development of national capabilities in a key economic sector as Abu Dhabi creates lasting impact for the future of mobility around the world and towards achieving a zero-emissions future.

MBZUAI President and University Professor, Eric Xing, said: “MBZUAI is a representation of the UAE’s ambition to be an epicenter of AI research, to harness advanced technology, and to contribute to a thriving ecosystem of innovation. Through existing research on smart cities, smart and autonomous vehicles, and mobility, our elite faculty are collaborating with industry and decision-makers to realize this vision. We are delighted to be a part of the SAVI cluster, some of which will take place in close proximity to our campus, and to have welcomed a number of esteemed Abu Dhabi institutions here today to mark the beginning of this partnership.”

Dr. Ray O. Johnson, CEO, The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), said: "Catalysing the future of mobility, our collaboration with SAVI is a testament to our commitment to pioneering innovation at the crossroads of technology and discovery. At TII, we recognize the immense potential of smart and autonomous vehicles in reshaping our world, and we are thrilled to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey. Together with our esteemed partners from across academia, government, and the private sector, we are set to revolutionize the way we move, drive, and connect. With cutting-edge solutions, unwavering dedication, and a shared vision, we are not just building an ecosystem – we are forging a path towards a smarter, more sustainable future for all."

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, said: “As the research-intensive academic institution that propels innovation in all economic areas, Khalifa University is delighted to partner with key stakeholders in supporting the launch of Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster in Abu Dhabi, shaping the smart mobility landscape and redefining the way the community moves. Contributing to the creation of such an ecosystem also becomes mandatory in ensuring sustainability and reducing carbon footprint, as Abu Dhabi launches itself into creating a value chain in one location. Khalifa University is already forging pathways towards smart mobility through the UAE’s first driverless, autonomous 12-seater shuttle that transports students and staff around its campuses, the recently inaugurated state-of-the-art Khalifa University Marine Studies and Research Lab, the region’s first-ever advanced robotics research facility equipped with wave and stream generation facilities, and the university’s autonomous drones infrastructure capabilities. Through this visionary program, Abu Dhabi and the UAE will highlight the role of collaborative research and innovation initiatives to usher in impactful, and environmentally-responsible transport solutions.”

“Smart autonomous vehicles will be essential to set Abu Dhabi apart as a world-leading economic center with a focus on mobility technology. The Emirate’s bold ambitions in innovation present startup founders with an attractive opportunity to develop mobility solutions that will pioneer the next generation of vehicles in a city embracing transformation,” Ahmad Ali Alwan, Deputy CEO of Hub71, said.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announced that Marakeb Technologies will become the first anchor company to develop maritime applications in the Emirate’s new smart and autonomous vehicle industry (SAVI) cluster. Centred in Masdar City, the cluster provides state-of-the art facilities and value-add services within an enabling regulatory environment to support innovation and the commercialisation of advanced technologies for air, land, and sea mobility applications.

Marakeb is a leading autonomous technology provider for aerial, ground, and marine applications that has developed and manufactured solutions in the UAE for the past 15 years. It will establish bring immediate scale to the cluster’s maritime capabilities.

Badr Al-Olama, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “The next phase of Abu Dhabi’s industrial development has arrived. The Emirate’s SAVI cluster launches with immediate scale and will bring about a new wave of solutions in the field of autonomy across air, land and sea. The addition of companies like Marakeb will also be a catalyst for the growth of related industries, both within and beyond the cluster, boosting the local industrial base and knowledge economy.”

Marakeb will be able to test new technologies at the cluster’s sea testing zone in Mussafah Port, which houses a port and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. The company, which currently exports to over 10 countries, will also benefit from the cluster’s global logistics integration.

“The establishment of the SAVI cluster is a monumental step in providing a local platform to advance the autonomous technology ecosystem and in demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s continued commitment to investments in advanced technologies. As a UAE company, Marakeb will support the development and growth of the cluster by providing its autonomous solutions and technical knowledge to enable the next generation of smart vehicle solutions,” Basel Shuhaiber, Chief Executive Officer, Marakeb Technologies.

Abu Dhabi is developing an extensive multi-modal cluster designed to transform the direction of smart and autonomous vehicles across air, land and sea. SAVI will house academia, sandboxes, R&D labs, testing and certification facilities, large scale workshops, hangars, manufacturing facilities, and global logistics integration. Underpinning all operations are the local regulators establishing an enabling regulatory framework across air, land, and sea applications.