United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Abu Dhabi
UMR Index Rank
#44
(-2)
Score: 47%
Sustainable Mobility
#57
(-4)
Score: 35.0%
Public Transit
#58
(=)
Score: 35.6%
Technology Adoption
#34
Score: 43.3%
| Population | 1.5 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 1,064 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 1,389 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 120,327 |
UMR Index Rank
#44
(-2)
Score: 47%
Sustainable Mobility
#57
(-4)
Score: 35.0%
Public Transit
#58
(=)
Score: 35.6%
Technology Adoption
#34
Score: 43.3%
What Abu Dhabi Does Well In Urban Mobility
Abu Dhabi benefits from government investments in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies. In 2023, Abu Dhabi launched a Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries center for researching and developing CAVs for travel by air, land, and sea. It is among the index’s most advanced cities on CAV adoption, with a history of pilot projects since 2021. In 2024, Abu Dhabi introduced an autonomous car racing league, A2RL, in an attempt to accelerate autonomous technology and position itself as a global leader in the field. A2RL’s first race drew more than 10,000 in-person and 600,000 online spectators. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is progressing on regulatory issues, with new legislation adopted in 2024 that expands vehicle classifications to include autonomous ones. These developments will further improve Abu Dhabi’s road safety, already one of the best in the region.
In a city accustomed to cars for hire, residents have been quick to embrace mobility sharing, in particular ride-hailing. Abu Dhabi launched the UAE’s first autonomous service in November 2021, and its self-driving fleet of eight robo- taxis and four minibuses completed 17,000 passenger journeys in the first two years. In addition, Abu Dhabi’s mobility sharing economy is competitive, with several different operators providing shared scooters, bikes, and cars.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
Challenges And Opportunities For Abu Dhabi’s Transportation System
Abu Dhabi’s public transport is underutilized and lacks diversity. The city offers buses but lacks a metro or tram. Still, some improvements are being made. The first 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) of light rail was built in 2024, connecting the islands of Al Reem and Al Maryah to Abu Dhabi’s mainland.
Abu Dhabi lags behind peers in the extent of its charging network for electric vehicles (EVs), with a density half that of Dubai. With the UAE aiming to have EVs account for 50% of vehicles by 2050, the city needs to increase its charging installation. In 2023, ADNOC Distribution, the nation’s largest fuel retailer, and the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) created the joint venture E2G0 to invest in charging infrastructure, including fast chargers and digital solutions that improve the customer charging experience.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Abu Dhabi Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
To improve the density of its charging network, the city can increase government-backed investments into public charging stations. The E2GO joint venture is a step in the right direction and Abu Dhabi can consider similar partnerships with other companies to accelerate infrastructure investment. The city can extend incentives for private charger installation by offering purchase subsidies or tax rebates. Investing more into electric buses also will help advance Abu Dhabi’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, as long as the electricity is generated by renewable energy.
To improve its public transit offering, Abu Dhabi can provide more bus routes and stops and implement priority bus lanes. While construction of the light rail is a step forward for diversifying the offering, Abu Dhabi also can invest in metro and rail infrastructure. The recent rebranding of the Integrated Transport Centre to become Abu Dhabi Mobility, with an expanded mandate to oversee land transport, aviation, and maritime activities, can accelerate improvements.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley