Abu Dhabi, Stellantis to Work Together Sighting a Stronger Auto Future

Abu Dhabi: ADIO, AD Ports Group, and Stellantis have agreed to a key partnership. The goal is to turn Abu Dhabi into a main centre for innovation, car exports and services in the region.

• The partnership aims to build electric vehicles, self-driving transport, and advanced manufacturing plants.
• This effort supports the UAE's "Make it in the Emirates" plan. It does so by growing local production, research and development skills, and modernising auto services across the country.
• The collaboration will generate fresh jobs for skilled workers. It will draw in global investments and make Abu Dhabi lead the region in this field.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Abu Dhabi Ports Group have signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Stellantis to build an end-to-end automotive hub in the emirate. The plan supports Abu Dhabi’s push to become a regional base for exports, advanced mobility, and industrial innovation, in line with the UAE’s wider trade and manufacturing goals.

What the partnership will do?

Stellantis will work with ADIO to identify and develop investments across Abu Dhabi’s growing auto sector. With the emirate’s world-class logistics and supportive business climate, the company plans to help expand local manufacturing and related services. The goal is a complete value chain, from research and design to production and export. 

Who is Stellantis?

Stellantis was formed in 2021 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles merged with Groupe PSA. Its brands include Peugeot, Jeep, Fiat, Citroën, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati, among others. The company is headquartered in Amsterdam and operates manufacturing and R&D centres in Europe, North America, and Asia. In the Middle East, it runs its regional headquarters from Dubai.

Backing Abu Dhabi’s automotive programme

The agreement supports ADIO’s Automotive Sector Programme, launched in May 2025 under the national Make it in the Emirates campaign. The initiative focuses on stronger R&D, high-quality automotive services, and next-generation mobility systems, including autonomous taxi solutions.

Reason behind choosing Abu Dhabi 

Automotive exports from Abu Dhabi have grown in recent years. The emirate is moving fast in manufacturing, research, and innovation, and is building a reputation as a global centre for trade, technology, and industry. The Stellantis partnership marks a key step in this progress.

The city has an ideal mix of world-class logistics, strong infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies. This has been iterated by several key officials.

Mohammed Al Kamali, Chief Industry and Trade Officer at ADIO, said the agreement strengthens Abu Dhabi’s industrial and trade base and supports its position as a global destination for investment and innovation. He noted that ADIO works with public and private partners to back high-impact, future-focused sectors, and that teaming up with AD Ports Group and Stellantis will speed up the creation of a fully integrated automotive and trade hub that supports global OEMs.

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO, Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, said the mix of Stellantis’ automotive know-how, AD Ports’ integrated logistics and reach, and ADIO’s investment support can help scale new mobility solutions across the Middle East and Africa, while deepening Abu Dhabi’s role in global supply chains.

Patrick Labilloy, Senior Vice President and Head of Planning at Stellantis MEA, said Abu Dhabi offers the vision, infrastructure, and connectivity needed to shape the future of mobility. He added that the deal shows Stellantis’ commitment to co-develop solutions in electrification, autonomous transport, and sustainable urban mobility, positioning the Middle East and Africa as a growth engine for the company’s long-term plan.

Why this matters for the region?

The move broadens Abu Dhabi’s industrial base and strengthens its place in the regional and global automotive value chain. It will support growth in Middle East and African markets, while boosting the emirate’s strategic position and long-term competitiveness.