CaoCao and ADIO Partner for Smart Mobility in Abu Dhabi

In a significant advancement for sustainable transport, Abu Dhabi is forging ahead with a groundbreaking collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and China’s CaoCao Inc. — a mobility technology company backed by Geely. This partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of smart and autonomous mobility solutions across the emirate.

The announcement, made during DRIFTx 2025, Abu Dhabi’s premier global platform for innovative transport, signals a strategic initiative to establish CaoCao's regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The company aims to extend its reach throughout the Middle East while leveraging its expertise in electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.

CaoCao acts as Geely Holding Group’s primary Robotaxi service, already holding a strong footing in China. Utilizing purpose-built electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and AI-driven fleet management, it seeks to create a connected, environmentally friendly transport ecosystem.

This partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi's ambition to establish itself as a smart mobility hub, launching pilot projects that will test autonomous vehicles and battery-swap electric vehicles on local roads. Collaborating with government bodies, these tests will prioritize safety and smooth integration with the emirate’s clean energy infrastructure.

Additionally, the initiative is set to enhance local R&D, innovation, and talent development by fostering collaboration with universities and research centers in the UAE. Both entities are committed to knowledge-sharing, creating safety frameworks, and promoting smart mobility innovations through upcoming events in the capital.

This partnership not only strengthens Abu Dhabi’s status as a global testing ground for next-gen transport technologies but also enhances its attractiveness for innovation-driven Chinese businesses eyeing regional growth and sustainable development.