Abu Dhabi has started field trials of 7 m AI-powered driverless patrol boats to improve maritime safety and enforcement across its inland waterways.
The autonomous vessels are being developed through cooperation between the Integrated Transport Centre, the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Blue Gulf Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime.
The trials are assessing whether the unmanned boats can support monitoring and enforcement work without crews on board. Officials said the systems are intended to improve surveillance and help waterway users follow existing laws and regulations.
After testing is completed, the vessels are expected to begin regular patrol duties.
The program is part of Abu Dhabi’s wider plan to strengthen maritime transport and expand smart mobility. Authorities are applying artificial intelligence and related vessel technologies to improve monitoring accuracy and operational efficiency.
The project is supervised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, with support from Abu Dhabi Maritime on safety standards and regulatory oversight.
The trials follow last year’s introduction of AI-powered autonomous vessels by ADNOC Logistics & Services. Those vessels are designed for remote maritime operations and are expected to be delivered by late 2026. They will include satellite-linked systems, a hybrid power supply, and remote operation from a control center in Mussafah.
Separately, Abu Dhabi Ship Building is constructing patrol and interception vessels for the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority under an AED 175 million contract signed in February 2023. The program includes 120 Fast Inshore Platform and 160 Inshore Tactical Engagement Platform vessels for nearshore rescue and extended search and rescue operations.
The use of autonomous systems is becoming more common across maritime operations as authorities seek to improve safety and efficiency. In Abu Dhabi, the ongoing trials are expected to support better monitoring, faster response and improved compliance across waterways.
Abu Dhabi is also expanding autonomous technology outside the maritime sector. At the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit on Yas Island in November, 29 agreements were signed covering driverless systems in logistics, healthcare, e-commerce and transport.
Robotaxi services operated by Uber and WeRide have already started in the city after trials, using level-four autonomous vehicles. In March, additional robotaxis from Autogo, a unit of K2, were deployed in the capital. Current services operate in areas including Yas Island, with planned expansion to Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island and Al Saadiyat Island.
