ABU DHABI, UAE – In a strategic move to position itself as a central hub for the automotive industry the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Abu Dhabi Ports Group have signed a landmark agreement with global automaker Stellantis to develop a fully integrated automotive ecosystem in the emirate.
The partnership aims to transform Abu Dhabi into a regional nexus for automotive exports ,advanced mobility technologies and industrial innovation, aligning with the UAE’s broader vision to become a global leader in trade and advanced manufacturing.
Building a Future-Proof Automotive Hub
The collaboration will see Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest automaker, work closely with ADIO to explore investment opportunities across Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning automotive sector. The initiative will leverage the emirate’s world-class logistics infrastructure, strategic location and investor-friendly policies to expand local manufacturing capabilities.
This agreement is a cornerstone of ADIO’s Automotive Sector Programme launched under the national “Make it in the Emirates” campaign. The program focuses on enhancing R&D, expanding automotive services and developing next-generation mobility systems, including autonomous vehicles.
A Synergy of Expertise and Infrastructure
Leadership from all parties highlighted the synergistic potential of the partnership.
Mohammed Al Kamali, Chief Industry and Trade Officer at ADIO, stated the collaboration marks a “strategic step towards enhancing Abu Dhabi’s industrial and trade ecosystem,” aiming to build a “fully integrated automotive and trade ecosystem” for global manufacturers.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of the Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, emphasized the logistics advantage, noting the combination of Stellantis’ expertise with Abu Dhabi’s integrated networks will help scale innovative mobility solutions across the Middle East and Africa.
Patrick Labilloy, Senior Vice President at Stellantis MEA, pointed to Abu Dhabi’s “vision, infrastructure and global connectivity” as key factors. He confirmed the partnership reflects a commitment to co-developing solutions in electrification, autonomous transport, and sustainable urban mobility.
A Strategic Move for a Global Automaker
Stellantis, formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA boasts a portfolio of iconic brands including Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat, Citroën, Dodge, and Maserati. This partnership establishes a significant growth engine for the company’s long-term strategy in the Middle East and Africa region, leveraging Abu Dhabi as a strategic export and innovation base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who are the partners in this agreement?
The agreement is between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Ports Group and the global automaker Stellantis.
2. What is Stellantis?
Stellantis is one of the world’s leading automakers, formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group. Its brand portfolio includes Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Dodge, and Maserati.
3. What is the main goal of this partnership?
The goal is to develop a fully integrated automotive ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, making it a regional hub for manufacturing, exports, and the development of advanced mobility technologies like electric and autonomous vehicles.
4. How does this fit into Abu Dhabi’s larger economic plans?
This initiative is a key part of the UAE’s vision to diversify its economy beyond oil and become a global hub for trade and advanced industry. It directly supports the “Make it in the Emirates” campaign.
5. What are the key focus areas for innovation?
The partnership will focus on co-developing next-generation solutions, including vehicle electrification, autonomous transport systems, and sustainable urban mobility.
6. Why is Abu Dhabi’s location strategic for Stellantis?
Abu Dhabi offers state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure through its ports and a strategic geographic location, making it an ideal base for exporting vehicles and components to the high-growth markets of the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
7. What is ADIO’s Automotive Sector Programme?
Launched in 2025, this program is designed to attract investments, enhance R&D capabilities, and develop a full suite of automotive services within the emirate, positioning it as a leader in the future of mobility.
