Didi Autonomous Driving announced on Thursday a strategic collaboration with Abu Dhabi Investment Office, as the Chinese tech company steps up push to expand presence in the Middle East market.As part of the collaboration, DiDi Autonomous Driving said it will join Abu Dhabi's smart and autonomous vehicle industry cluster, or the Savi Cluster, in the United Arab Emirates. The two sides said they will engage in open collaboration in areas such as autonomous driving technology innovation and application, AI talent development, and ecosystem building. Together, they aim to support Abu Dhabi in developing a leading smart mobility and sustainable transportation ecosystem, while gradually expanding their cooperation to the broader Middle East.

The Savi Cluster is launched by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. It aims to advance the commercialization of innovative smart and autonomous vehicle applications across air, land and sea, and accelerate the development of smart cities. According to the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Savi is expected to create up to 40,000 jobs by 2045.

Badr Al-Olama, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said: "Our collaboration with Didi Autonomous Driving marks a defining moment in shaping the future of transport. Didi Autonomous Driving is a world-leading autonomous driving company. Abu Dhabi is now home to one of the most advanced smart mobility ecosystems globally, and we are proud to welcome Didi Autonomous Driving to the Savi cluster as it scales its autonomous driving technologies across the region."

Wang Yue, vice-president of Didi Autonomous Driving and general manager of its Robotaxi service, said "The Middle East is a key pillar in Didi Autonomous Driving's global strategy. Abu Dhabi's vision for smart city development and sustainable growth aligns closely with our commitment to responsible technological innovation. With the support of Abu Dhabi Investment Office, we look forward to collaborating with local partners to accelerate autonomous driving innovation and real-world deployment, bringing safe, reliable, and intelligent mobility experiences to users across the Middle East."

Didi Autonomous Driving said it is committed to advancing Level 4 autonomous driving technology and its applications. It has maintained safe operations for over 1,900 consecutive days. The new-generation autonomous driving vehicle, co-developed with GAC Aian and featuring global adaptability, will be delivered by the end of the year, Didi added.