Under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced the issuance of a comprehensive new regulatory framework governing the testing of autonomous and remotely operated small marine vessels across the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in coordination with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), the entity responsible for regulating and overseeing the emirate’s transport sector.
Adopted under Administrative Decision No. (17) of 2026, the Manual of Requirements and Controls for Testing Autonomous Marine Crafts establishes a clear, future-focused regulatory environment to accelerate innovation, while serving as a robust mechanism to ensure that testing activities safeguard maritime navigation, human life, property, and the marine ecosystem, reflecting a strategic commitment to advancing cutting-edge maritime technologies in line with global best practices and international regulatory standards.
The new manual includes a mandatory permitting system to regulate all testing activities and ensure compliance with defined controls and procedures, along with clearly defined obligations for permit applicants and marine craft operators. It also introduces structured processes to ensure testing is conducted safely, systematically, and without disrupting existing maritime operations, in addition to provisions mandating appropriate insurance coverage and cybersecurity protections. Together, these measures create a predictable and enabling environment for technology developers, investors, and maritime stakeholders, and reinforce Abu Dhabi as a leading global hub for maritime innovation and advanced mobility solutions, backed by the ongoing regulatory and supervisory role of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) to ensure seamless compliance and integration.
Dr Abdulla Hamad AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), said: "The issuance of this regulatory framework represents a qualitative leap toward enabling future technologies and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in adopting smart and sustainable mobility solutions, as we aim through our regulatory and supervisory role at the centre to foster a comprehensive testing and incubator environment that stimulates innovation, ensures the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency within our waterways, and supports our journey toward building an advanced maritime transport ecosystem that meets the emirate's long-term economic and technological aspirations."
The manual builds on the wider regulatory ecosystem, including Administrative Decision No. (69) of 2025, which introduced a unified bylaw governing maritime safety, operations, environmental protection, and stakeholder responsibilities across Abu Dhabi’s waterways, implemented in continuous coordination between the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and Abu Dhabi Maritime. Crucially, the integration of this manual within the broader regulatory framework demonstrates the successful strategic direction toward building a sustainable, commercially attractive maritime sector that embraces advanced mobility solutions and raises urban living standards across the emirate.
