Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has officially kicked off commercial operations for fully driverless, Level 4 autonomous vehicles, a first-of-its-kind milestone for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The rollout follows extensive collaboration between the ITC, the UAE’s Regulations Lab at the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, and the Supervisory Committee for Advanced Driving Systems Testing, led by the Ministry of Interior. Guided by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the launch marks a major step in safely deploying advanced self-driving technologies under the UAE’s approved regulatory framework.

ITC confirmed that the first two operating permits have been issued to WeRide and AutoGo-K2 for Level 4 autonomous vehicles.

The approval comes after months of rigorous real-world testing, covering performance, sensor accuracy, safety responses and behaviour in Abu Dhabi’s traffic conditions. All vehicle movements will now be monitored in real time through an advanced digital platform.

New control centre for autonomous mobility

During the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, the ITC also launched AViTOMS, the Autonomous Vehicles Integrated Testing, Operations, and Management System. It’s the first platform of its kind in the region, built to manage every stage of autonomous vehicle operations in one place.

AViTOMS handles everything from registration and permitting to real-time tracking, data analysis, and instant emergency shutdowns. It offers a full digital workflow, interactive maps, operational dashboards and secure data exchange across government entities.

The goal? A safer, smarter and fully regulated path for driverless mobility across the emirate.

The UAE just took another giant leap into the future of logistics. On Thursday, Abu Dhabi-based Lodd Autonomous successfully launched the country’s first homegrown hybrid cargo drone, marking a major milestone for advanced air mobility and same-day delivery innovation.

The event, dubbed the Hili First Flight Ceremony, took place at Emirates Falcon Aviation in Al Ain and was attended by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with senior officials, royals, and members of the media.

“This is not just Lodd’s milestone, it’s a UAE milestone,” said Rashid Al Mannai, CEO of Lodd Autonomous.

The aircraft, named Hili, is a hybrid VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone capable of carrying up to 250 kilograms across nearly 700 km. It combines electric and internal combustion power, offering impressive efficiency and sustainability for aerial logistics.

Al Mannai revealed that Lodd will now embark on a six-month flight test campaign, followed by certification with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), a process expected to take two years. Once approved, Hili could revolutionise logistics by enabling same-day deliveries across vast distances.

To further boost its capabilities, Lodd has signed cooperation agreements with ST Engineering Commercial Aerospace and Skyports Drone Services, exploring integration and operational applications for the aircraft.

Looking ahead, AI will be central to Lodd’s vision. “AI automation will allow one pilot to operate hundreds of drones simultaneously,” Al Mannai explained.

“The system will manage everything, from flight scheduling to autonomous ground loading, turning futuristic logistics into everyday reality.”

The BRICS International Football Alliance (BIFA) held its first-ever Council Meeting at the BIFA+ Global Headquarters in the UAE, marking a milestone in its mission to advance football diplomacy and cooperation across the Global South.

The session, attended by official representatives from China, underscored the strengthening partnership between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China in promoting sports, cultural, and technological exchange under the BIFA & BIFA+ framework.

Held under the theme “Deepening Sports Synergy and Promoting Diversified Development,” the meeting reviewed BIFA’s achievements since its establishment and outlined a bold strategic roadmap for 2026–2027, driving collaboration among BRICS and BRICS+ nations.

2026: BRICS Football International Village to debut in UAE

Next year, BIFA+ will launch the BRICS Football International Village at its UAE headquarters,  an integrated “sports, culture, health, and innovation” hub designed to foster collaboration and showcase the spirit of the Global South.

The initiative will connect regional headquarters in the UAE, China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, and feature cultural exhibitions, AI innovation forums, and the BRICS Football Cup Invitational Tournament, culminating in the BIFA+ Global Launch Ceremony in the UAE.

2027: China to host expanded BRICS Cup activities

In 2027, as China hosts the BRICS Summit, the country will also welcome the BRICS Cup Football Tournament, bringing together champion city teams from across member nations.

Ms. Wang Min, Chair of BIFA China, said the tournament will blend “Football + Urban Culture + New Media” – using digital storytelling and live engagement to make the BRICS Cup a globally recognised cultural sporting event.

A global platform for unity and innovation

BIFA’s development strategy is built around its “three-wheel drive”, sports, culture, and technology, ensuring sustainable growth and collaboration among BRICS nations.

Salem Almazaini, Founder and President of BIFA & BIFA+, said: “From our headquarters in the UAE, BIFA will use football as a vessel to deepen cooperation among BRICS and BRICS+ nations across sports, culture, health, and digital innovation.”

Founded under the guidance of Larisa Zelentsova, President of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects (Russia), BIFA continues to grow as a bridge between nations, using football as a language of diplomacy and sustainable development.