Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud to transform UAE mobility

Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud will become the UAE’s first sovereign-enabled platform dedicated to advancing smart mobility and autonomous systems. Announced during the Dubai World Congress (DWC), the initiative is enabled by Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud, leveraging Microsoft Azure.

By combining Space42’s expertise in AI-powered mobility with Microsoft’s secure cloud and logistics suite, the project will accelerate the deployment of autonomous mobility solutions while ensuring data sovereignty within the UAE.

Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud sets a global benchmark

Dr. Fan Zhu, Senior Vice President of Autonomous Mobility at Space42, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “The UAE has always led in technological innovation, and autonomous mobility is no exception. 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 at Microsoft, added: “Microsoft Azure provides the secure foundation that powers the UAE’s Sovereign Mobility Cloud. This collaboration ensures compliance, confidentiality, and trust at the highest levels.”

Key features of the Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud

The initiative provides a trusted platform tailored to mobility and autonomous systems. Importantly, it delivers:

• -Secure hosting of mobility data under UAE regulations.
• -Platforms for HD mapping, telematics, fleet operations, traffic management, and digital twins.
• -Data-sharing frameworks across government, industry, and research stakeholders.

Furthermore, the program will introduce regulatory sandboxes, test hubs, and reference deployments in partnership with the UAE transport authorities.

Building complementary capabilities with Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud

Space42 will lead application deployment, liaise with regulators, and drive adoption through pilots and rollouts. Meanwhile, Core42 and Microsoft will deliver the sovereign-enabled foundation, ensuring compliance and data residency. In addition, Microsoft will provide training, technical expertise, and co-investment to grow the ecosystem.

This collaboration builds on earlier partnerships. For example, in July 2025, Space42, Microsoft, and Esri launched the Map Africa Initiative to create a continent-wide base map. Moreover, Space42’s geospatial AI platform, GIQ, is available on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.

Advancing the UAE’s mobility ambitions

The UAE has positioned itself as a launchpad for next-generation mobility. Supported by infrastructure, governance, and regulation, it is creating a model for global transport innovation.

Space42 has already logged nearly 600,000 kilometers of autonomous driving and 20,000 passenger trips through its TXAI service. Beyond robotaxis, the company focuses on HD mapping, digital twins, and AI-driven fleet operations, ensuring innovation aligns with safety and best practices. Consequently, Abu Dhabi is becoming a hub for intelligent transport.

Why the Space42 Sovereign Mobility Cloud matters

The Sovereign Mobility Cloud ensures that critical transport data remains in the UAE, complying with regulations while fostering innovation. Therefore, it strengthens trust, protects sensitive information, and supports the nation’s long-term strategy for autonomous systems.

By combining national vision with technological expertise, the UAE and Space42 are building an ecosystem where AI-enabled transport benefits citizens and sets new global benchmarks.

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