CaoCao and ADIO Join Forces for Innovative Mobility in Abu Dhabi

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Abu Dhabi is embarking on an ambitious journey toward a more intelligent and sustainable transportation framework. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has teamed up with China’s CaoCao Inc. — a mobility tech firm backed by Geely — to accelerate the integration of smart and autonomous transportation options in the emirate.

This partnership was revealed during DRIFTx 2025, a global initiative focused on smart and sustainable transportation in Abu Dhabi. A significant aspect of the collaboration is the establishment of CaoCao’s regional headquarters in the UAE capital, serving as a launchpad for its expansion into the broader Middle Eastern market, bringing advanced green and autonomous vehicle technologies.

CaoCao, recognized as the chief Robotaxi operator of Geely Holding Group, has established a significant footprint in China. Their operations integrate custom electric vehicles, cutting-edge autonomous driving capabilities, and AI-driven fleet management systems to cultivate a connected, low-emission transportation ecosystem.

In alignment with Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a smart mobility hub, the partnership will commence with pilot schemes aimed at deploying autonomous vehicles and battery-swapping electric vehicles on local streets. These initiatives will be coordinated with government entities to ensure safety and an efficient alignment with the emirate’s clean energy infrastructure.

This initiative also seeks to enhance local R&D, innovation, and talent growth, creating avenues for collaboration with UAE universities and research organizations. The efforts will encompass knowledge sharing, establishing safety regulations, and showcasing smart mobility innovations in future events within the capital.

This partnership bolsters Abu Dhabi’s standing as a premier testing ground for next-gen transportation technologies, enhancing its attraction to innovation-focused Chinese companies aiming to expand in the region and pursue sustainable advancement.