Space42 , a UAE-based AI-powered space technology company, has announced that it is in the process of developing the UAE’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud, an initiative that could prove to be a shot in the arm for the autonomous intelligent transportation sector. The initiative aims to accelerate the deployment of autonomous mobility solutions, while ensuring that data remains securely hosted in the UAE and compliant with national regulations.
Announced on the sidelines of the Dubai World Congress (DWC), this sovereign mobility cloud will be enabled by Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud which leverages Microsoft Azure. In a press release, Space42 revealed that this cloud provides infrastructure for mobility data and autonomous systems, platforms for HD mapping, telematics, fleet operations, traffic management, and digital twins, as well as a way to share data securely across government, industry, and research stakeholders.
The Sovereign Mobility Cloud will also allow Space42 to lead application deployment, liaise with regulators, and drive adoption through pilots, demonstrations, and commercial rollouts.
Dr. Fan Zhu, Senior Vice President of Autonomous Mobility at Space42, said, “By building the nation’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud with Core42 and Microsoft, we are setting a global standard for secure, trusted platforms in mobility and autonomous systems.”
Sherif Tawfik, Chief Partnership Officer – AI & Cloud for Sovereignty, Microsoft said, “In partnership with G42 we have successfully combined world-class data residency, compliance, and confidential compute capabilities with Insight’s sovereign controls platform to ensure mobility and autonomous systems in the UAE are built on a platform that meets the highest standards for security and trust.”
Space42 is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities. Formed in 2024 by the successful merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
According to Grand View Research, “The global autonomous vehicle market size was estimated at USD 68.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 214.32 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.9% from 2025 to 2030.”
Since 2021, Space42’s TXAI service has logged nearly 600,000 km of autonomous driving and 20,000 passenger trips. The fleet now spans Saadiyat, Yas, Al Maryah, and Al Reem Islands, as well as Abu Dhabi Airport. Beyond robotaxis, Space42 is building the backbone of intelligent mobility through HD mapping, digital twins, and AI-powered fleet operations, while working with regulators, investors, and academia to keep innovation aligned with safety and global best practice.
As a next step, the initiative will also establish reference deployments, regulatory sandboxes, and test hubs with UAE transport authorities, while engaging global automotive, technology, and academic partners to scale the ecosystem.