Abu Dhabi attracts more companies to its high-tech transport cluster

Commercial helicopter operator Abu Dhabi Aviation and Chinese electric vehicle brand Neta Auto will join emirate's new Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry initiative, Adio says

A Masdar City autonomous vehicle on display at Smart & Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, a strategic Abu Dhabi initiative for the future of transport and mobility. Chris Whiteoak / The NatioShow more

Abu Dhabi has attracted more companies to its newly established cluster for the development of high-tech vehicles, as part of its push into advanced manufacturing and sustainable mobility.

Commercial helicopter operator Abu Dhabi Aviation will establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (Savi) cluster in Masdar City, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office said on Monday.

Chinese electric vehicle maker Hozon Auto will bring its brand Neta Auto to the cluster where it will open a research and development centre and an assembly plant, Adio said in a separate statement later on Monday.

The announcements come a day after Adio revealed that California-based electric aircraft maker Joby Aviation, Chinese self-driving vehicle start-up WeRide and the UAE's unmanned maritime systems company Marakeb Technologies will join the Savi cluster.

The Masdar City-based cluster, which was announced on October 13, will develop smart and autonomous vehicles for air, land and sea use.

It is expected to contribute between Dh90 billion ($24.5 billion) and Dh120 billion ($32.7 billion) to the UAE's economy and generate up to 50,000 jobs, officials said last week.

Abu Dhabi Aviation and Adio will collaborate with UAE airlines, global eVTOL companies and other international partners to promote smart and autonomous air mobility, according to the emirate's investment office.

Abu Dhabi Aviation will also team up with technology companies operating in Savi to commercialise intellectual property and technology created through joint research and development, Adio said.

The helicopter company will also focus on knowledge transfers and national capabilities through its pilot-training centre, further promoting eVTOL services, according to Adio.

The company will also work closely with local regulators to adopt a clear regulatory framework that will support the future of aviation mobility.

Abu Dhabi Aviation provides offshore oil support – particularly for Abu Dhabi’s oil and gas production companies – and other services globally.

The company also provides ultra-VIP passenger transport services, search and rescue operations for the UAE, crop spraying, aerial construction, seismic support and third-party maintenance support, as well as helping to fight fires in Europe.

Meanwhile, Chinese Neta Auto's R&D facility in Abu Dhabi will serve as its Middle East and North Africa hub, according to Adio. This will be its third R&D facility globally – following its Shanghai and Hong Kong centres, it said.

Neta Auto will trial its latest technologies at a testing zone in Yas Island, which has an established road mobility test bed used by a growing number of incorporated technology start-ups.

“We are excited to support the company in developing smart and autonomous vehicles on Yas Island, and becoming a beacon for others to follow in the EV and battery cell sectors," said Badr Al Olama, acting director general of Adio.