Space42, Microsoft Launch UAE’s First Sovereign Mobility Cloud
▼ Summary
– Space42 has developed the UAE’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud, built on Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud and powered by Microsoft Azure.
– The initiative combines Space42’s mobility expertise with Microsoft’s cloud suite to accelerate autonomous mobility deployment while ensuring data residency within the UAE.
– Key capabilities of the cloud include secure platforms for autonomous systems, critical mobility tools like HD mapping, and sovereign data controls for compliance.
– The project builds on Space42’s autonomous fleet, which has logged nearly 600,000 km of safe driving and over 20,000 passenger trips since 2021.
– This Sovereign Mobility Cloud aims to position the UAE as a regional leader in intelligent transport and support its global innovation ambitions.
A major step forward for intelligent transportation has been announced with the launch of the UAE’s first Sovereign Mobility Cloud. This groundbreaking platform, developed by Space42 on Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud and powered by Microsoft Azure, establishes a new benchmark for secure and autonomous mobility infrastructure within the nation. The strategic initiative was unveiled during the recent Dubai World Congress, signaling a significant advancement in the country’s digital transformation goals.
This collaboration merges Space42’s specialized knowledge in mobility systems with Microsoft’s robust cloud technologies and logistics applications. The primary objective is to fast-track the implementation of autonomous mobility solutions while guaranteeing that all related data remains within the UAE’s borders, adhering strictly to national data residency and regulatory requirements.
Dr. Fan Zhu, Senior Vice President of Autonomous Mobility at Space42, emphasized the project’s global significance. He stated that the partnership with Core42 and Microsoft is establishing a new international standard for secure and trusted platforms dedicated to mobility and autonomous systems.
Echoing this sentiment, Sherif Tawfik, Microsoft’s Chief Partnership Officer for AI & Cloud for Sovereignty, highlighted the foundational strength of the initiative. He explained that the partnership provides a secure and compliant base for the UAE’s entire mobility network, integrating top-tier data residency and confidential computing with sovereign controls to ensure ultimate trust.
The platform’s core strengths are designed to deliver comprehensive capabilities. It provides a trusted infrastructure for autonomous systems and the sensitive data they generate. Essential mobility tools are included, such as high-definition mapping, telematics, fleet operations management, traffic control systems, and digital twin technology. A cornerstone of the project is data sovereignty, ensuring all information is hosted locally under sovereign controls for full compliance with national governance. The system also enables secure data-sharing across different sectors, facilitating collaboration between government bodies, industrial partners, and research institutions.
Looking ahead, the next phase of development will involve creating regulatory sandboxes, reference deployments, and specialized test hubs in cooperation with UAE transport authorities. The project will also engage leading global technology and automotive companies to further broaden the ecosystem.
This new cloud platform is built upon Space42’s proven experience in autonomous mobility. Since 2021, the company’s TXAI autonomous vehicle fleet has safely accumulated nearly 600,000 kilometers on the road and completed over 20,000 passenger journeys throughout Abu Dhabi. The company is also pushing boundaries in geospatial artificial intelligence via its GIQ platform and is expanding international partnerships, such as the Map Africa Initiative launched alongside Microsoft and Esri.
By fusing local infrastructure with world-class technological expertise, the Sovereign Mobility Cloud solidifies the UAE’s position as a regional pioneer in smart transport. This achievement directly supports the nation’s broader ambition to become a global center for innovation, aligning with its comprehensive digital and mobility transformation strategies.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
