The 2025 Liwa Date Festival wasn’t just about dates and palm trees this year — it also gave people a look into the future of transport in Abu Dhabi.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) made a strong appearance at the festival, using the event as a chance to show off some of its big ideas. From self-driving cars to sustainable boats, the message was clear: the way we move around — by land, sea, or air — is going through a serious upgrade.
Driving into the Future (Without a Driver)
One of the standout projects on display was the Autonomous Mobility Project. These are basically self-driving taxis, and they’re not just in testing anymore. After running services on Saadiyat and Yas Islands, these smart vehicles have now made their way to roads near Zayed International Airport. It’s part of a bigger push to get more tech into everyday transport — and reduce how much we rely on traditional vehicles.
And speaking of cleaner transportation, Abu Dhabi is also expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging network. ITC’s working on making EVs more accessible, which helps cut emissions and supports the UAE’s larger goal of going climate neutral by 2050.
Tracking Trucks (and Saving Time)
Freight operators didn’t get left out. ITC highlighted its “Asateel” digital platform, which helps businesses — especially small operators in the farming and livestock space — track their vehicles in real-time. The platform gives updates on where trucks are, how drivers are behaving, and whether deliveries are staying on schedule.
It’s not just about tech for tech’s sake. Tools like Asateel make a huge difference for fleet owners. It helps lower fuel costs, reduce delays, and keeps things safer and more organized — which really matters in busy areas.
Making Waves with Smarter Maritime Tools
ITC also focused on water-based transport. They’ve upgraded their Al Nalia app, turning it into a one-stop shop for all things marine. Boat users can check weather updates, view safety maps, book tickets, report issues, and more — all from a single platform.
They even showcased “Skoun”, the largest boat in the region made using 3D printing. That’s right — a boat built from scratch using a printer. It’s part of their broader goal to explore eco-friendly alternatives on the water.
Also in the spotlight was “MARSDNA”, a digital tool that helps maritime companies understand where they stand in terms of sustainability. Businesses answer a few questions, and the platform generates a custom report with steps they can take to do better — especially when it comes to following environmental and safety standards.
Watching the Skies
The future of transport isn’t just on the ground or in the water — it’s also up in the air. With more drones being used for delivery, filming, agriculture, and even inspection work, ITC has stepped up with new rules and a tracking system to keep things under control.
The Federal Drone Traffic Management System now helps regulate drone activity across Abu Dhabi’s airspace. This means fewer accidents, better safety, and more trust in how drones are used.
Blending Culture with Innovation
So why talk about all this at a date festival? Because the Liwa Date Festival isn’t just about agriculture and tradition — it’s also about looking ahead. ITC’s participation shows that modern tech and heritage can go hand in hand.
They’re not just throwing out big ideas. These projects — from autonomous taxis to smarter boat tech — are already up and running or in the final stages. It’s all part of Abu Dhabi’s bigger push to improve life for its people, support local businesses, and become a leader in sustainable transport.
Triroute Shipping, one of the top shipping companies in Dubai, supports these changes fully. As a company offering freight forwarding, air freight, sea freight, land transport, customs clearance, and warehousing, we believe the future of logistics lies in smart, connected systems — the kind being built right here in the UAE. We’re here to help you move goods reliably, efficiently, and with a lighter footprint on the planet.
