The world's leading air taxi company, a pioneer in driverless solutions, and a provider of autonomous technology are set to become part of Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (Savi) cluster, according to an announcement by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Joby Aviation, a California-based firm specializing in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial passenger service, is looking to participate in this innovative cluster. WeRide, a pioneer in autonomous technologies and services, plans to establish its regional headquarters within the cluster. Meanwhile, Marakeb Technologies, a local provider of autonomous systems, is set to become the first anchor company focused on maritime applications at Savi. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, emphasized the cluster's immediate launch and its success in attracting global companies and talent, promising to shape the future of transportation and mobility.
Badr Al-Olama stated, "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."
Located in Masdar City, this cluster offers state-of-the-art facilities and valuable services within a supportive regulatory environment. It caters to companies that are pioneering advanced technologies in air, land, and sea mobility applications. To drive the future of smart and autonomous vehicle operations, ADIO collaborates with four regulatory authorities: the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), and Abu Dhabi Maritime.
Joby Aviation, which plans to introduce commercial passenger services using its five-seat, piloted aircraft by 2025, intends to establish a presence in the cluster to support the development of autonomous flight technology. ADIO will facilitate Joby Aviation's connections with relevant partners across the Abu Dhabi ecosystem, including regulators, government departments, and potential investors.
JoeBen Bevirt, the founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, expressed, "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."
WeRide, a leader in driverless solutions, will establish a new office in Abu Dhabi, serving as its regional headquarters. The company aims to transform autonomous driving technology into practical industry applications and promote mobility and freight transport in the emirate and beyond. This aligns with Abu Dhabi's goals of worldwide adoption of smart and autonomous vehicles, focusing on affordability and accessibility.
WeRide is a prominent company specializing in Level 4 autonomous driving technologies, having obtained the UAE cabinet's first national license for self-driving vehicles on the country's roads in July.
Jennifer Li, CFO of WeRide, stated, "We are delighted to join the new endeavor as part of the Savi cluster, which also marks an important milestone of our two-year robotaxi operation in the city. Our technologies and products centered on urban living fit well into Abu Dhabi's ambition for autonomous mobility and logistics."
ADIO also disclosed that Marakeb Technologies will be the first anchor company dedicated to developing maritime applications within the Savi cluster. Marakeb is a leading autonomous technology provider for aerial, ground, and marine applications, with a 15-year history of developing and manufacturing solutions in the UAE. This will significantly enhance the cluster's maritime capabilities.
The inclusion of companies like Marakeb will catalyze the growth of related industries both within and beyond the cluster, bolstering the local industrial base and knowledge economy.
Marakeb will have the opportunity 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, currently exporting to over 10 countries, will also benefit from the cluster's global logistics integration.
Basel Shuhaiber, CEO of Marakeb Technologies, mentioned, "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.