Abu Dhabi tests autonomous patrol boats to boost maritime safety

Abu Dhabi is stepping up its smart mobility ambitions with new trials of an autonomous patrol boat designed to support monitoring operations across waterways.

The Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, says it has begun field testing a 23-foot unmanned vessel.

The tests are being carried out under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Blue Gulf Group.

Officials say the trials aim to deploy advanced patrol boats powered by autonomous control technologies to strengthen oversight in maritime channels and improve compliance with regulations, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime.

The initiative is part of a broader push to adopt smart and innovative solutions across the maritime sector — improving efficiency, increasing monitoring accuracy and supporting long-term sustainability.

Authorities say the trials also mark another step toward building a fully integrated autonomous maritime transport ecosystem in the emirate, while reinforcing efforts to modernise regulatory frameworks and enhance public safety.

Under the supervision of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, @ad_mobility has conducted field trials of 23ft autonomous patrol boats to support monitoring operations across waterways, strengthening overall safety in the maritime sector. pic.twitter.com/lVtrDFbtWe

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 1, 2026