K2 and WeRide formalised a strategic partnership at UMEX 2026 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the operation of autonomous buses in Abu Dhabi. The initiative is supported by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).
The collaboration aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ambition to accelerate smart mobility initiatives, facilitating the real-world rollout of autonomous public transport and reinforcing the emirate’s status as a leading centre for intelligent and sustainable transportation.
Waleed Alblooshi, Vice President of Strategy at K2, highlighted the value of joint efforts in advancing autonomous innovation, noting that cooperation is essential to building a future where autonomous systems are integrated efficiently and responsibly.
Under the agreement, K2 will contribute its strong local market knowledge, fleet operations expertise, and hands-on experience delivering mobility solutions on the ground. WeRide will bring its advanced autonomous vehicle technology and global deployment track record to support the programme.
Ryan Zhan, Regional General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at WeRide, said the agreement represents a significant milestone in the company’s regional expansion. He added that partnering with K2 will support the development and commercialisation of WeRide’s Robobus, leveraging its Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities alongside K2’s local operational strengths to advance safer and more sustainable public transport across the UAE and the wider region.
K2 has a long-standing presence across multiple segments of the autonomous mobility landscape, with its subsidiaries having conducted extensive testing of robotaxi services and last-mile delivery solutions over tens of thousands of kilometres.
