South Korea's Autonomous A2Z has signed an 11 billion won ($7.7 million) export agreement with Space42, a UAE-based AI and space technology company formed in 2024 from the merger of geospatial intelligence provider Bayanat and satellite operator Yahsat, to supply autonomous driving vehicles and full-stack self-driving solutions, deepening the Korean firm's presence in the UAE's emerging smart mobility market.

The two companies will collaborate on the Smart Mobility Convergence Project, which involves replacing Space42's existing fleet of Chinese-made autonomous vehicles with 19 vehicles equipped with Autonomous A2Z's proprietary technology. The replacement fleet will comprise eight units of ROii, the company's Level 4 driverless shuttle — a classification meaning the vehicle can operate without human intervention within defined geographic areas and conditions — five Kia PV5-based autonomous vehicles, five Carnival-based autonomous vehicles, and one autonomous MAN bus.

This contract is separate from a joint venture that the two firms established in November 2025 during President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to the UAE — a first for a Korean company in the Emirates.

Under the agreement, the ROii shuttles will be manufactured in South Korea and shipped to the UAE in the second half of this year. The remaining vehicles will be sourced locally in the UAE and retrofitted for autonomous operation. Beyond vehicle supply, Autonomous A2Z will deliver its full-stack autonomous driving suite, encompassing self-driving software, fleet management systems, remote control infrastructure, and service management.

Autonomous A2Z described the deal as a milestone for Korea's autonomous driving industry, showcasing the global competitiveness of its homegrown technology in a sector predominantly shaped by U.S. and Chinese players. The replacement of Space42's existing Chinese-made fleet positions Korean autonomous technology as an alternative supplier in Gulf smart mobility markets that have largely relied on Chinese providers for early-stage deployments.

Pilot operations are slated to begin later this year on Saadiyat Island and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi — two of the emirate's flagship tourism and cultural destinations, home to attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. Once road conditions and passenger demand have been validated, the service is expected to broaden into demand-responsive transit and tourist shuttle operations starting in 2027. The arrangement could pave the way for larger-scale exports of Autonomous A2Z's vehicles and solutions as the UAE advances its smart mobility transition, which aligns with Dubai's stated goal of autonomous transport accounting for 25% of all trips by 2030.

The company credited its extensive real-world operating experience as a decisive factor in winning the contract. Autonomous A2Z has taken part in autonomous driving pilot programs across 13 cities and provinces in South Korea, building operational expertise in fleet management and public mobility services. It currently operates 91 autonomous test vehicles and has logged more than 1.02 million kilometers of autonomous driving.

The agreement also reflects sustained support from the Korean government for autonomous driving exports, spanning technology development, testing, and overseas market expansion. Autonomous A2Z leveraged K-City, South Korea's dedicated autonomous vehicle testing ground, to develop driving software adapted to UAE road conditions.

"This contract shows that Korean autonomous driving technology can move beyond domestic pilot programs into commercial services overseas," said Han Ji-hyeong, co-founder and CEO of Autonomous A2Z. "As global competition in AI intensifies, we will continue advancing end-to-end autonomous driving technology and contribute to positioning Korea as a leader in physical AI."