Abu Dhabi stands at a defining threshold, where our vision for a smart and autonomous ecosystem that underpins a sustainable economy and enhances daily life is taking shape before our eyes. Smart systems are transforming industries, diversifying our economy and creating knowledge-based employment that places leading Emirati and international talent at the forefront of cross-sector growth across the emirate, while fundamentally improving how people live, work and move. Yet such meaningful advancement requires more than technology; it demands the thoughtful creation of an enabling ecosystem to support development and deployment.
In Abu Dhabi, autonomy is more than a promise; it’s becoming practice. While other cities are still testing pilot programmes, Abu Dhabi and the emirate at large have already integrated autonomy across land, sea and air. On our roads, in our skies, across our ports and industrial hubs, intelligent systems are already at work – not only behind the scenes of emerging industries but also in public view, and what we are building here offers more than a model for our own emirate. Abu Dhabi is a living testbed of the very latest in smart and autonomous systems for the world. Our approach is based on the deliberate integration of infrastructure, policymaking and human capability – three pillars we have learned must advance together to create lasting transformation.
As an archipelago connected by air, land and sea, Abu Dhabi has always understood that true progress demands mastery across all domains of human movement – not in isolation, but as parts of a unified whole. Our ancestors trekked across desert expanses, navigating by stars with knowledge passed down through centuries. They invented ways to cross our waters – on camels, in dhows and by building bridges.
When our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, sketched his vision of the city’s infrastructure in the sand and insisted on wide roads to serve generations yet unborn, his priority was connecting communities, turning obstacles into gateways. He understood that building infrastructure designed for our vision of tomorrow was a key element of co-ordinated planning, along with the cultivation of human capital and the creation of a business-friendly environment. This future-forward philosophy enabled the seamless integration of new technologies in the decades that followed, and to this day, remains a defining value of the UAE’s pursuit of progress with purpose.
When we look at autonomous solutions now, the same principles apply. Today, we share our road network with reliable and efficient autonomous vehicles and our seas with remotely operated maritime vessels supporting our ports and coastal operations. Our skies are the domain not only of a thriving aviation industry, but also of unmanned aerial systems that promise to revolutionise logistics, emergency response and connectivity across our islands. These systems can speed up healthcare response times through the rapid transportation of treatments and results, access places emergency rescue teams cannot reach and strengthen food security through monitoring and tending to crops. As technology evolves, our goal of embracing change to improve people’s lives remains unchanged.
The future presents humanity with questions yet unasked and possibilities yet unimagined. Yet within these questions lies an opportunity – an invitation to shape how autonomous systems integrate into society through a holistic approach.
In July 2024, the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council was established to set the strategic direction of Abu Dhabi’s smart and autonomous technologies sector. Driving policy, regulation, investment and innovation through multi-sector collaboration, we are creating an environment that turns policy into progress, where regulation enables rather than constrains, innovation is nurtured with purpose and the pathway to market is clear and achievable. This collaborative spirit and commitment to partnership accelerates development and, we believe, can become a blueprint for integrated autonomous urban planning.
Our goal is not to use smart and autonomous systems to simply automate life, but to elevate it and to ensure that every system we build reflects the values that have built this nation
A fundamental truth guides all our endeavours: technology must work in service of a warm, hospitable, human-centric society. We will be measured not only by the sophistication of our systems, but by the value they bring to people’s lives. From mangrove-planting drones that restore vital ecosystems to autonomous cleaning vehicles that maintain beloved spaces, this is automation with purpose – deployed not as isolated projects but as part of a comprehensive strategy, designed with our communities at its heart.
And, as a community, we must embrace such technologies, support their integration into our daily lives and contribute towards their deployment across the emirate, which will ultimately advance our society for future generations.
Because our goal is not to use smart and autonomous systems to simply automate life, but to elevate it and to ensure that every system we build reflects the values that have built this nation.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, and Chairman of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week will take place from November 10 to 15, 2025, and be a flagship global platform uniting leaders, innovators, policymakers and investors to accelerate the future of autonomous technology.
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
F1 line ups in 2018
Mercedes-GP Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas; Ferrari Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen; Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen; Force India Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez; Renault Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr; Williams Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa / Robert Kubica / Paul di Resta; McLaren Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne; Toro Rosso TBA; Haas F1 Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen; Sauber TBA
Tamkeen’s offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 611bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
On sale: now
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Golden Shoe top five (as of March 1):
Harry Kane, Tottenham, Premier League, 24 goals, 48 points
Edinson Cavani, PSG, Ligue 1, 24 goals, 48 points
Ciro Immobile, Lazio, Serie A, 23 goals, 46 points
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool, Premier League, 23 goals, 46 points
Lionel Messi, Barcelona, La Liga, 22 goals, 44 points
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Hotel Data Cloud profile
Date started: June 2016
Founders: Gregor Amon and Kevin Czok
Based: Dubai
Sector: Travel Tech
Size: 10 employees
Funding: $350,000 (Dh1.3 million)
Investors: five angel investors (undisclosed except for Amar Shubar)
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Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: “Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] … discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes.” Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: “Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel … Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity.” Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: “It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests.” Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
‘The Batman’
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
Tenet
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh
Rating: 5/5
THE 12 BREAKAWAY CLUBS
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO
Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday
Race venue: Suzuka International Racing Course
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Number of Laps: 53
Watch live: beIN Sports HD
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Company name: Fine Diner
Started: March, 2020
Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and food delivery
Initial investment: Dh75,000
Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp
Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months
Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund “prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind”.
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Liverpool’s all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
