His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired a meeting of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), reviewing the outcomes of Autonomous Week and outlining future priorities to accelerate the deployment of smart and autonomous technologies across the UAE. The meeting highlighted the leadership’s focus on innovation-driven growth, advanced mobility solutions, and long-term economic diversification.

During the session, council members assessed the achievements of Autonomous Week, which brought together global experts, technology leaders, investors, startups, and policymakers. The event successfully showcased cutting-edge developments in autonomous mobility, artificial intelligence, robotics, and smart infrastructure, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a testbed for future technologies. The outcomes demonstrated strong international interest, new partnerships, and practical use cases that can be scaled across sectors.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the importance of smart mobility deployment as a key pillar of sustainable urban development. Autonomous transport solutions have the potential to enhance road safety, reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and elevate quality of life. The council reviewed ongoing and planned initiatives to integrate autonomous systems into public transport, logistics, and urban services, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and national strategies.

Investment and talent development were also central themes of the meeting. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the need to attract global investment while nurturing local expertise through education, training, and research partnerships. Building a strong talent pipeline is essential to sustaining innovation and ensuring the UAE remains competitive in rapidly evolving technology sectors.

The council also discussed preparations for the expanded second edition of Autonomous Week, which is expected to feature broader participation, deeper industry engagement, and enhanced opportunities for startups and innovators. The upcoming edition will focus on translating innovation into real-world applications, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening public-private collaboration.

Through the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the UAE continues to adopt a forward-looking approach that links technology adoption with economic diversification. Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership underscores the country’s ambition to lead in smart systems, create high-value industries, and position innovation as a core driver of sustainable economic growth.

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