UAE Takes a Bigger Step Toward Level-4 Self-Driving Cars

[Space42 and South Korea’s A2Z sign a $7 million deal to bring Level-4 autonomous vehicles and driverless robo-shuttles to the UAE.]

Space42 Signs $7 Million Deal With South Korea’s A2Z to Bring Level-4 Self-Driving Vehicles to UAE

The UAE’s autonomous mobility ambitions are moving into a new phase as Space42 partners with South Korean autonomous driving specialist Autonomous A2Z (A2Z) to deploy a new fleet of Level-4 self-driving vehicles.

Under the commercial agreement, Space42 will replace the autonomous vehicles currently used by its TXAI mobility service with 19 A2Z-equipped vehicles. The rollout will begin with pilot robo-shuttle operations on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, two of the emirate’s major tourism, entertainment and lifestyle destinations.

The deal could mark an important shift for autonomous transportation in the UAE, moving driverless mobility beyond limited demonstrations toward more structured, demand-responsive transport services.

Key Highlights

• Space42 has signed a commercial agreement with South Korea’s Autonomous A2Z to deploy Level-4 autonomous vehicles in the UAE.
• The new fleet will include 19 autonomous vehicles, including eight purpose-built A2Z ROii robo-shuttles.
• Driverless shuttle services will initially be tested on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
• The fleet will also include autonomous versions of the Kia PV5, Kia Carnival and MAN bus.
• Successful pilots could lead to demand-responsive transport and tourism shuttle services across the UAE from 2027 onwards.

​19 Level-4 Autonomous Vehicles to Join Space42’s Fleet

The agreement will see Space42 transition its existing TXAI autonomous mobility fleet to vehicles supplied and equipped by A2Z.

The new fleet will consist of 19 autonomous vehicles, offering Space42 different vehicle formats for future autonomous transport applications.

Eight vehicles will be A2Z’s purpose-built ROii Level-4 robo-shuttle. Unlike vehicles that still require a safety driver behind the wheel, the ROii is designed as a fully driverless shuttle without conventional controls or a dedicated human operator seat.

The remaining vehicles will be based on platforms including the Kia PV5, Kia Carnival and MAN bus. These vehicles will be sourced locally and converted using A2Z’s autonomous driving technology.

New Autonomous Fleet at a Glance

The eight ROii shuttles will be manufactured in South Korea and shipped to the UAE as complete vehicles later this year.

Abu Dhabi to Get the First Driverless Shuttle Pilots

The first phase of the project will focus on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

The locations provide a strong environment for testing autonomous shuttle services because they attract large numbers of residents, tourists and visitors while containing major entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle destinations.

Space42 and A2Z will use the pilot phase to collect real-world operational data, understand passenger demand and evaluate how autonomous shuttles can be integrated into existing transportation networks.

If the initial programme proves successful, the companies could expand the service into demand-responsive transport (DRT) and tourism-focused shuttle operations from 2027 onwards.

What Level-4 Autonomous Driving Means

The vehicles being introduced under the agreement are designed around SAE Level 4 autonomous driving.

At this level, the vehicle can perform the complete driving task within defined operating conditions without requiring a human to continuously control the vehicle.

That makes Level 4 particularly suitable for controlled shuttle routes, campuses, tourism destinations and other mapped operating areas.

The UAE's approach could therefore see autonomous vehicles gradually move from controlled pilot programmes into regular transportation services rather than immediately attempting unrestricted driverless operation everywhere.

A2Z to Provide the Technology Behind the Fleet

The partnership goes beyond simply supplying autonomous vehicles.

A2Z will also support the technology and operational infrastructure required to manage a driverless fleet. This includes:

• Autonomous driving software

• Fleet management and control systems

• Remote-control cockpit technology

• Vehicle integration

• Operational support

• Integration with Space42’s ride-hailing platform

The remote-control system is particularly important for autonomous operations because it provides remote human oversight when vehicles encounter situations requiring additional assistance.

The vehicles will also be integrated into Space42’s existing ride-hailing application, potentially allowing passengers to request autonomous shuttle services through a familiar digital platform.

Space42 Already Has Thousands of Autonomous Trips Behind It

The UAE rollout builds on Space42’s existing autonomous mobility experience.

Its TXAI autonomous service, which launched in 2021, has completed more than 20,000 trips covering approximately 600,000 kilometres. Space42 says the service has recorded no accidents during that operational period.

A2Z brings its own extensive real-world autonomous driving experience to the partnership.

The South Korean company has conducted autonomous vehicle trials across 13 cities and provinces in South Korea. Its fleet of 91 permitted autonomous vehicles has collectively travelled more than 1 million kilometres in real-world driving.

The UAE expansion will be led through A2G (Autonomous to Global), A2Z’s Singapore-based joint venture, as the company expands its autonomous mobility technology into international markets.

$7 Million Deal Is Separate From the Existing Joint Venture

Importantly, the new $7 million commercial agreement is separate from the joint venture announced by Space42 and A2Z in 2025.

While the earlier partnership focuses on the broader commercialisation of autonomous mobility in the UAE, the latest agreement is specifically focused on supplying and deploying autonomous vehicles and the supporting technology required for the new fleet.

This gives the two companies both a near-term deployment programme and a longer-term framework for expanding autonomous mobility in the UAE.

Why This Deal Matters for UAE Autonomous Mobility

The agreement arrives as the UAE continues to position itself as a major global testing ground for self-driving cars, autonomous taxis and smart mobility technologies.

For residents and tourists, the most visible impact could be the arrival of more regular driverless shuttle services at destinations such as Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

Instead of autonomous vehicles appearing only as technology demonstrations, the new programme is designed around actual passenger transportation, fleet management and integration with a ride-hailing platform.