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Space42 and South Korea’s Autonomous A2Z (A2Z) signed their first commercial pact since forming a joint venture last year, inking a USD 7 mn agreement to deploy A2Z’s Level-4 autonomous driving systems in the UAE, according to a press release. The two partnered last year to set up a JV to deploy and commercialize self-driving systems across MENA.
The plan: A2Z’s ROii model will be operationally tested and assessed for possible pilot robo-shuttle services and could potentially be used in on-demand and tourist transport services.
IN CONTEXT- This isn’t Space42’s first outing in autonomous mobility — its existing TXAI taxi service has covered more than 600k km across 20k trips with zero recorded accidents since 2021. Driverless taxis are already on the road in Abu Dhabi, after WeRide rolled out the first services in Yas Island last November. Dubai authorities also kicked off commercial operations of autonomous taxis in certain areas earlier this year.
Apparel Group deepens footprint in Madinah
Apparel Group is becoming Madinah’s newest retail landlord: The Dubai-based conglomerate has signed on as an anchor retail partner for Knowledge Economic City's (KEC) Multaqa AlMadinah Mall, bringing 24 international brands — 18 retail and six F&B — across 8.7k sqm, with 10 (including Nando's, Wagamama, Birkenstock, and Levi's) opening in the Holy City for the first time. Why Madinah? Because its organized retail and dining supply hasn't kept pace with its resident, pilgrim, and visitor base — a gap KEC CEO Moath Al Yahya tells us persists even as demand keeps climbing.
KEC’s second tenant victory this year: Danube Food & Luxuries signed on for a 3.6k sqm anchor grocery earlier in 2026, while KEC has been offloading development risk on adjacent parcels through funding partnerships with Alrashid Properties, BSF Capital, and Fourmen Investment. Apparel Group — 2.6k+ stores, 85+ brands across 14 countries — has been steadily deepening its Saudi footprint through destination-led launches like this one.
