In a significant development for the Middle East tech sector, Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has teamed up with Nvidia, a global leader in AI, to launch the region’s first joint research lab focused on artificial intelligence and robotics.
The TII-NVAITC Joint Lab for AI and Robotics is the first Nvidia AI Technology Center (NVAITC) in the Middle East dedicated to robotics. It aims to fast-track the creation of next-gen AI models, humanoid systems, and autonomous platforms with real-world industry applications.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, and Marc Domenech, Regional Director for Nvidia’s Enterprise division in the META region. The event was attended by key officials, including Shahab Abu Shahab from the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), alongside Nvidia executives John Josephakis and Simon See.
“Partnering with Nvidia is a major leap toward developing AI-driven robotic systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and operating in complex settings,” Aaraj stated. “We are advancing the integration of perception, control, and language, paving the way for a new era of smart machines.”
Under the agreement, TII will have access to specialized edge GPU chips to advance its robotics research and more. TII serves as the applied research branch of the Advanced Technology Research Council, part of the UAE’s strategy to become a global AI leader.
The lab will merge Nvidia’s accelerated computing platforms with TII’s AI, robotics, and high-performance computing research. It will also foster the development of embodied AI models and humanoid technologies, utilizing TII’s Falcon large language models—the largest in the Middle East.
Carlo Ruiz, VP of enterprise solutions and operations EMEA at Nvidia, noted that this initiative marks the first expansion of the global NVAITC network into robotics in the region. “By collaborating with TII in Abu Dhabi, we are aiding researchers and innovators in accelerating breakthroughs that will shape the future of intelligent systems,” he remarked.
UAE’s AI ambitions
The launch of the joint lab supports the UAE’s comprehensive national strategy to emerge as a global AI powerhouse. Since its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2017, the UAE has invested billions to integrate AI across sectors like healthcare, education, energy, logistics, and government services.
The nation aims for AI to contribute up to 20% of its non-oil GDP by 2031, with the local AI market expected to rise from Dh12.7 billion in 2023 to over Dh170 billion by 2030, at an annual growth rate of 44%.
To realize this vision, the UAE has introduced initiatives such as appointing Chief AI Officers in federal entities, establishing AI-centric educational institutions, and international knowledge exchange programs. A recent US tour involved 50 Emirati AI leaders visiting tech giants like Google, Meta, OpenAI, and Microsoft for collaboration and innovation.
The TII-Nvidia lab is the latest strategic partnership highlighting the UAE’s ambition to lead in AI and robotics, both regionally and globally.
