K2 and WeRide join forces to roll out self-driving buses in Abu Dhabi
MoU signed at UMEX 2026 to support real-world autonomous transport deployment
ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi’s push towards next-generation transport took a significant step forward as K2 and autonomous driving technology company WeRide signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding at UMEX 2026 to jointly operate autonomous buses in the emirate.
The agreement was signed with the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and the Integrated Transport Centre, positioning the initiative within the capital’s regulated mobility framework. The collaboration focuses on enabling real-world deployment of autonomous public transport solutions, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become a global hub for intelligent and sustainable mobility.
The partnership brings together K2’s local operational expertise and WeRide’s global experience in autonomous vehicle deployment, with a shared goal of accelerating the adoption of driverless public transport across the UAE. Officials said the initiative reflects the growing emphasis on collaboration between local operators and international technology firms to deliver scalable and safe mobility solutions.
Self-driving buses in Abu Dhabi
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines a joint effort to operate autonomous buses in Abu Dhabi, marking a new phase in the emirate’s smart mobility journey. Signed during UMEX 2026, the agreement formalises cooperation between K2 and WeRide to develop, deploy, and commercialise autonomous public transport solutions under the oversight of relevant Abu Dhabi authorities. The involvement of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council and the Integrated Transport Centre ensures alignment with regulatory, safety, and infrastructure requirements.
Waleed Alblooshi, Vice President of Strategy at K2, said the agreement highlights the importance of strategic collaboration in realising the full potential of autonomous technologies. He noted that K2’s role in the partnership centres on leveraging its local market knowledge, fleet management capabilities, and experience in delivering real-world mobility solutions at scale.
How will it work?
Under the partnership, K2 will provide operational support, fleet oversight, and on-ground expertise, while WeRide will contribute its Level 4 autonomous driving technology and deployment know-how. WeRide’s Robobus platform is expected to play a central role in the initiative, drawing on the company’s experience across multiple global markets.
Ryan Zhan, Regional General Manager of Middle East and Africa at WeRide, described the MoU as a milestone in the company’s regional expansion. He said the collaboration with K2 would support the development and commercialisation of the Robobus in Abu Dhabi, combining advanced autonomous driving systems with local operational strength to deliver safer and more sustainable public transport solutions.
New partnership
The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s broader vision to integrate smart and autonomous systems into daily life, particularly within public transport networks. By enabling the deployment of autonomous buses in real-world conditions, the partnership aims to enhance transport efficiency while contributing to sustainability and innovation goals.
K2’s involvement builds on its extensive experience across the autonomous mobility ecosystem. Its subsidiaries have previously tested robotaxis and last-mile delivery solutions, collectively covering tens of thousands of kilometres in trial operations. This operational background is expected to support the smooth introduction and management of autonomous buses within Abu Dhabi’s transport network, as authorities continue to explore intelligent solutions to meet future mobility demands.