Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has signed a strategic partnership with Glydways, Inc., a leading global Automated Transit Network (ATN) provider, to explore deployment of its innovative transit systems across Abu Dhabi. The collaboration marks a milestone for the emirate’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster and Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision to become a world-leading ecosystem for smart and sustainable mobility.
Highlights
- Partnership Framework: ADIO and Glydways will jointly develop an initial project featuring Glydways’ high-capacity system using autonomous electric vehicles on dedicated guideways for on-demand, zero-emissions urban mobility
- Manufacturing Hub: Glydways plans to establish a final assembly and production facility in Abu Dhabi to serve as a regional center for manufacturing, assembly and export across the Middle East
- Strategic Focus: Collaboration includes feasibility assessments, regulatory ATN framework development, and coordination with Abu Dhabi Mobility, Abu Dhabi Transport, and Etihad Rail
- Economic Alignment: Partnership supports Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2031 target of increasing manufacturing sector GDP contribution to AED 172 billion by 2031
Partnership Announcement and Strategic Objectives
The collaboration was announced during DRIFTx, Abu Dhabi’s flagship exhibition for smart and autonomous mobility held as part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW). The partnership builds on momentum from the recent Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in New York.
His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, stated the partnership drives the next era of mobility through strategic partnerships that turn ideas into impact. He noted the collaboration addresses critical urban mobility challenges while advancing industrial diversification, enhancing liveability and positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the global autonomous vehicle revolution.
The collaboration, facilitated through ADIO’s SAVI cluster, focuses on feasibility assessments, regulatory ATN framework development and the potential establishment of a regional manufacturing hub.
Glydways Technology System
The Glydways system represents a revolutionary approach to mass-transit using autonomous electric vehicles operating on dedicated guideways. The system delivers on-demand, zero-emissions urban mobility powered by Glydways’ proprietary AI platform: Glydways OS.
Urban Transportation Applications
The system addresses critical urban transportation challenges by providing high-capacity transit solutions for various use cases:
- Last-mile and first-mile connectivity
- Intra-community connections
- Enhancement of existing transportation corridors
The technology’s modular design and autonomous operation enable rapid deployment and flexible routing to meet evolving urban mobility needs while maintaining passenger comfort and safety.
Regional Manufacturing Development
Glydways plans to establish a final assembly and production facility in Abu Dhabi, which would serve as a regional center for manufacturing, assembly and export across the Middle East and beyond. The facility aligns with the emirate’s strategy to localize high-value industrial capabilities within the SAVI cluster.
Mark Seeger, Founder and Co-CEO at Glydways, characterized Abu Dhabi’s visionary approach to innovation and infrastructure as the ideal partner for deploying next-generation transit solutions. He stated the system offers cities a scalable, cost-effective alternative to conventional transit that can dramatically reduce congestion and emissions while providing seamless, on-demand mobility with a private chauffeured experience at lower industry costs.
Transport Authority Integration
ADIO will coordinate with relevant transport authorities to ensure seamless integration with the emirate’s broader transportation planning framework. Participating authorities include:
- Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility)
- Abu Dhabi Transport (ADT)
- Etihad Rail
Industrial Strategy and Economic Vision
The partnership supports the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2031, which aims to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP to AED 172 billion by 2031 and accelerate investment in high-growth sectors including AI and smart mobility.
The collaboration underscores ADIO’s commitment to attracting world-class technology companies and creating an enabling ecosystem for autonomous vehicle innovation, consistent with Abu Dhabi’s broader economic vision and sustainability objectives.
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