Joint venture to accelerate autonomous vehicle technologies in the UAE

Key Points:

• Space42 and Autonomous A2Z launch a new joint venture in the UAE.

• Focus on Level-4 autonomous vehicles and retrofit-first adoption.

• Supports Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s autonomous mobility goals.

• Strengthens AI mobility solutions and local innovation capacity.

Joint venture to accelerate autonomous vehicle technologies is reshaping the UAE’s transport future.

Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, and South Korea’s Autonomous A2Z have officially formed a partnership to build scalable, safe, and intelligent driverless mobility systems across the country. Announced ahead of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025, this initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to leading in smart mobility and AI mobility solutions.

The collaboration marks a strong evolution from a memorandum signed last October. It sets the foundation for developing sovereign infrastructure for autonomy powered by AI, big data, and safety-first frameworks. The company’s aim is to deliver Level-4 autonomous vehicles that operate with minimal human input while meeting global safety benchmarks.

UAE’s push for advanced autonomous mobility

Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, described the partnership as a major milestone in advancing what he calls “Autonomy 2.0,” the next era of adaptive and intelligent mobility. He explained that the joint venture is designed to establish a sovereign ecosystem for autonomy built around local data control and AI integration.

“Our joint venture embodies our vision to establish sovereign autonomy infrastructure built on data, AI, and world-class safety standards,” Al Hosani said. “Together, we are enabling technologies that will shape the UAE’s mobility ecosystem and position the nation at the forefront of global mobility innovation.”

The UAE has already built a reputation for embracing smart city technologies. With this new venture, it takes a firm step toward mass adoption of autonomous vehicles that UAE residents can rely on for safety and convenience.

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Retrofit-first model transforms existing fleets

A unique feature of this partnership is the retrofit-first approach. Instead of replacing existing fleets, the venture allows governments and private operators to convert current vehicles into self-driving units. This strategy lowers costs and accelerates adoption across transport, logistics, airports, and tourism sectors.

Jihyeong Han, CEO of Autonomous A2Z, said the collaboration will help build a reliable autonomous driving environment. “Together with Space42, we aim to build a safe and reliable autonomous driving environment and infrastructure, fostering innovation in the UAE’s ecosystem and accelerating its transition to sustainable mobility,” he said.

By enabling retrofit capabilities, the joint venture shortens the path to scale and ensures that self-driving technology becomes a viable option for every major fleet operator in the UAE.

Pilot projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

The partnership will begin with pilot programs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, featuring a fleet of five autonomous vehicles. These early trials will collect valuable data for scaling future deployments and developing regional manufacturing and R&D facilities.

Initial trials will focus on mixed-use environments, such as airports and logistics hubs, where autonomous vehicles can enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The insights gained will guide the broader rollout of commercial fleets and smart mobility services.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s target for 25 per cent of all trips to be autonomous by 2030 and Abu Dhabi’s equivalent goal by 2040. These ambitions reflect how public policy and private partnerships are combining to create a practical roadmap for autonomy.

Building a sustainable AI mobility ecosystem

From my standpoint, this joint venture signals a meaningful shift from concept to real-world execution. The UAE’s government has consistently supported partnerships that accelerate the national AI agenda, and this collaboration fits perfectly within that framework.

By combining Korean expertise in autonomous driving with Emirati strength in AI and digital infrastructure, Space42 and Autonomous A2Z are setting an example for how cross-border cooperation can advance local innovation. The outcome is not only faster technology deployment but also the creation of skilled jobs and research opportunities in mobility AI.

Their work directly supports the nation’s sustainability goals by reducing emissions and enhancing transport efficiency. The integration of AI mobility solutions will make urban movement more predictable, safer, and data-driven.