Abu Dhabi is preparing to introduce driverless passenger pods by the end of this year, a move expected to reshape daily commuting and further enhance the city’s real estate appeal.
The Urbanloop pods, first deployed at the Paris Olympics in 2024 where they transported over 30,000 passengers, are now being tested on Reem Island. Designed to withstand the UAE’s heat and dust, the pods offer flexible capacities from 2 to 10 passengers, making them suitable for diverse commuting needs.
Sebastian Mangeant, CEO of Abu Dhabi Transport Company (ADT), confirmed the rollout at the Global Rail conference:
“We decided a year ago that we would go into partnership with Urbanloop. By the end of this year and toward next year, we’ll have a moving system ready for business.”
The pods, currently tested at 20km/h in Abu Dhabi, can reach speeds of up to 50km/h and are both bicycle- and wheelchair-friendly. Their standout feature is the ability to bypass stations and head directly to the passenger’s chosen stop, reducing congestion and travel time.
Real Estate Impact: Enhancing Community Value
Industry experts say the introduction of autonomous pods will not only ease urban traffic but also increase the attractiveness of key residential areas. With Reem Island, Saadiyat, and Al Maryah Island already positioned as high-demand investment hubs, the integration of next-gen transport adds a new layer of convenience for residents and investors.
Properties in communities with smart mobility links tend to see higher demand and stronger long-term appreciation, especially from international buyers seeking sustainable and connected urban living. Developers are expected to highlight the Urbanloop system as a selling point for new projects, similar to how proximity to the Etihad Rail network is already driving up property values along its corridor.
Towards a Car-Light Future
Mangeant emphasized that the long-term goal is to encourage residents to shift away from private vehicles:
“Encouraging commuters to ditch private cars will only happen when public transport becomes more convenient, comfortable, and connected.”
With Urbanloop’s low power consumption and rapid installation model, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable transport, directly supporting the UAE’s wider goals of reducing carbon emissions and building smarter, greener cities.
As autonomous pods connect seamlessly with Etihad Rail and key urban districts, real estate stakeholders see this as another confidence boost for buyers and investors betting on Abu Dhabi’s next wave of growth.
