Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Emirates Driving Company (EDC) have signed an agreement designed to enhance innovation within the emirate’s automotive, mobility and transportation sector.
The agreement between ADDED and EDC propels Abu Dhabi towards achieving Net Zero by promoting research and development related to autonomous and low-emission vehicles. The agreement will also support initiatives aligned with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS), which aims to enhance the industrial sector and foster sustainable economic growth in the emirate.
The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), ADDED’s arm to develop and regulate the industrial sector, will work with EDC to transform Abu Dhabi’s transportation sector. This will include enhancing the automotive industry’s supply chain to drive sustainable economic growth and increase efficiencies within the sector. With the aim of stimulating innovation and technological development, ADDED and EDC will also identify and attract key partners and investments to the sector.
ADDED will further support EDC by facilitating networking opportunities, sharing information and insights, and helping shape the strategic direction to assist driving education initiatives. As the foremost driver training and road safety institute in the UAE, EDC will also collaborate with organisations such as the International Driver Examination Committee and the International Federation of Road Transport Academy to enhance driver knowledge and road safety in the emirate.
Eng Arafat Al Yafei, Executive Director of IDB, said: “The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) is set to establish Abu Dhabi as a global leader in manufacturing through transformational programmes that drive growth and innovation. Transportation is among the seven sub-sectors targeted by ADIS to advance Abu Dhabi’s development into a global hub for future industries, and its high-growth potential will play a crucial role in achieving economic diversification while ensuring sustainability.
“This MoU with EDC will foster growth and innovation within the transportation sector, advancing smart and sustainable mobility solutions in the Emirate. It also signals the ADDED’s commitment to partner with the private sector in order to achieve its economic and sustainability goals.”
Khaled Al Shemeili, CEO of Emirates Driving Company, said, “The mobility sector is one of the key contributors to Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. Within the emirate’s strategy of collaboration between public and private sectors, we look forward to working with ADDED to create a conducive environment for investment opportunities, and to support integration of the value chain in order to drive development and growth within the sector.”
