Strategic Partnership in Self-Driving Technology to Propel Autonomous Vehicle Development in the UAE

British self-driving technology developer Oxa has teamed up with Abu Dhabi-based Bayanat to leverage AI-powered geospatial analytics tools, aiming to elevate the capabilities of its autonomous vehicles. Bayanat has a history of innovating in the self-driving taxi sector within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), utilizing technology from the Chinese autonomous tech firm WeRide. This collaboration centers around the creation of intelligent city solutions and autonomous transportation systems, seamlessly incorporating Bayanat’s geospatial data solutions into Oxa’s autonomous vehicle software.

In addition to enhancing vehicle capabilities, the partnership will establish an Autonomous Mobility Center of Excellence, focused on nurturing local talent across software, hardware, and data science sectors. This initiative is bolstered by the support of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) as part of its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) Cluster. The cluster's goal is to position Abu Dhabi as a significant global hub for smart and autonomous vehicles spanning air, land, and sea.

Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa, stated, “By tapping into our experiences from prior commercial deployments in the U.S. and leveraging Bayanat’s technical expertise and regional connections within the Gulf Cooperation Council, we anticipate a swift advancement in adopting autonomous technologies across various applications.” He expressed enthusiasm about the robust technical talent pool available in the region, nurtured by institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the SAVI initiative. These resources will play a crucial role in developing a cohort of highly-skilled engineers, including those at Oxa’s forthcoming base in Abu Dhabi.

The partnership was solidified during a visit from Bayanat executives to Oxa’s headquarters in Oxford, England. Hasan Al Hosani, managing director of Bayanat, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Oxa marks a pivotal step in our mission to transform transportation and enhance smart city solutions. By merging our expertise in geospatial analytics and operational capabilities in autonomous vehicles with Oxa’s pioneering work in vehicle technology, we are set to develop innovative solutions that enhance mobility, safety, and efficiency in urban environments.”

Beyond the scope of this partnership, Oxa, which was formerly known as Oxbotica, is actively engaged in developing autonomous passenger vehicles intended for public transport operators in the U.S. and Europe, further expanding the reach and potential of self-driving technology within urban settings.