Autonomous A2Z and Space42 will jointly invest US$4 million to launch the venture and will co-execute an autonomous-driving project in Abu Dhabi valued at US$8 million. (Image courtesy of Autonomous A2Z)
SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean autonomous-driving startup Autonomous A2Z has established a joint venture in Abu Dhabi with Space42, an Emirati AI and space-technology company, as the two countries expand cooperation in advanced mobility during President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to the United Arab Emirates.
The companies announced the partnership on Nov. 19 at the Korea–UAE Business Roundtable, held alongside the state visit. The agreement was signed in the presence of South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Science Minister Baek Young-hoon, A2Z Vice President Yoo Byung-yong, and Space42 Chief Commercial Officer Shulaiman Al Ali, underscoring growing bilateral interest in autonomous mobility.
Autonomous A2Z and Space42 will jointly invest US$4 million to launch the venture and will co-execute an autonomous-driving project in Abu Dhabi valued at US$8 million. The initiative aims to advance Level 4 autonomous driving, retrofit conventional vehicles with self-driving capability, and deploy V2X communication technologies to accelerate commercial rollout.
A pilot program is set to begin in the first half of next year in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, using five Kia PV5 vehicles supplied through A2Z’s partnership with the automaker. The companies plan to expand research, manufacturing capacity, and infrastructure with support from local authorities, positioning the UAE as a regional hub for autonomous mobility.
Autonomous A2Z operates the largest fleet of autonomous vehicles (55 units) in South Korea. (Image courtesy of Autonomous A2Z )
In parallel, the joint venture will collaborate with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster to develop regulatory frameworks and operational systems needed for large-scale commercialization.
Han Ji-hyung, CEO of Autonomous A2Z, said the launch marks a critical milestone for Korea’s autonomous-driving industry abroad. “As a company representing Korea’s autonomous-driving capabilities, we take great pride in planting the first seeds of our technology in the Middle East,” he said. “Together with Space42, we will build a safe and reliable autonomous infrastructure, drive the UAE’s commercial adoption, and accelerate smart-mobility innovation across the region.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
