BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE is emerging as a global benchmark for the integration of autonomous systems, with Abu Dhabi at the centre of large-scale trials, infrastructure development and regulatory alignment.
Speaking at UMEX-SIMTEX 2026, Jason Lee, Vice President of Mobility Portfolio Management at Space42, said the country is no longer just adopting smart mobility technologies, but actively influencing global standards and deployment models.
“Autonomous systems are becoming ubiquitous. We are seeing widespread adoption as we progress towards the information age,” Lee told Aletihad in an interview on the sidelines of the exhibition.
He highlighted how automation is already impacting areas such as city maintenance, waste management and public transportation, but stressed that successful deployment depends on more than just advanced hardware.
Lee explained that a seamless, multi-domain connectivity network - across land, air and sea - is essential to unlocking the full potential of autonomous systems.
“Data is being shared at a very rapid pace, so strong connectivity networks are critical,” he said, pointing to the need for integrated communications across aerial drones, maritime systems and terrestrial vehicles.
One major initiative by Space42, the Sovereign Mobility Trial, is already laying down the infrastructure for this future by collecting the HD map data AVs need to operate efficiently and safely, Lee added.
He noted that Space42 has also partnered with key local institutions. One memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Police is enabling the testing of remotely operated patrol vehicles, while another collaboration with Masdar City and the Integrated Transport Centre is building a dedicated AV testing ground.
“With a proper AV test site, we are able to collect data faster and assess performance and readiness much more effectively,” Lee said.
He added that Abu Dhabi’s policy and investment climate provide a strong foundation for scaling up trials into commercial services.
“The UAE is uniquely positioned to move from being an adopter to a shaper of global standards.”
He praised the proactive stance of local regulators, adding that alignment across government bodies like ICV and ITC is making it easier to translate pilot projects into scalable operations.
“Without capital, it is impossible to expand the fleet. But with the current progress, I would say by 2027 we should start seeing autonomous vehicles rolled out at scale,” Lee said.
Space42’s new joint venture with Autonomous A2Z, a Korean AV company, which retrofits existing vehicles with autonomous capabilities, allows them to take any car on the road, mount the AV hardware and sensors, and make it autonomous, he explained.
“This is a game-changer for taxi companies and fleet operators who cannot afford to replace their entire fleet,” Lee said, noting that Space42 is rolling out this retrofit operation in Abu Dhabi by the end of the year.
“Driving autonomy is not a single AI problem; it is a large-scale system engineering process where perception, software, infrastructure, regulation, and human behaviour must work as one fault-tolerant system,” he added.
Lee also underscored the significance of the UMEX-SIMTEX as a critical platform for Space42, as it helps to educate government and industry clients on the real-world capabilities, maturity, and safety of autonomous systems.
“Through direct engagement, live demonstration, and technical discussion, the event enables Space42 to align stakeholders around its vision, roadmap, and role in shaping the region's autonomous ecosystem.”