Landmark collaboration creates a regional hub for next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and intelligent systems
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) has partnered with NVIDIA, the global leader in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence, to launch the Middle East’s first Joint AI & Robotics Lab.
This TII–NVIDIA AI Technology Center (NVAITC) collaboration marks a major milestone for the region’s AI and robotics ecosystem, establishing a cutting-edge hub to develop next-generation AI models, humanoid robots, and intelligent autonomous systems.
Driving AI & Robotics Innovation From Abu Dhabi
The partnership was announced at a signing ceremony held at TII’s Abu Dhabi headquarters, with senior leaders from both organizations in attendance.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, and Marc Domenech, Regional Director, Enterprise – META Region at NVIDIA, alongside key representatives from ATRC and NVIDIA’s global leadership team.
The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to strengthen technological sovereignty, accelerate digital transformation, and position the UAE as a global leader in AI and robotics reinforcing its ambitions under UAE Vision 2031 and the US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.
“This collaboration with NVIDIA marks a major step toward building AI-enhanced robotic systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and acting in complex environments,”
said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII.
“By combining our advanced robotic platforms with powerful AI models and compute, we are accelerating the convergence of perception, control, and language laying the foundation for a new era of intelligent machines.”
World-Class Research & Next-Gen Intelligent Systems
The TII–NVAITC Joint Lab will integrate:
- NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms & AI expertise
TII’s advanced research in robotics, autonomous systems & high-performance computing
It will focus on:
- Embodied AI & humanoid robotics
- Large language model (LLM) integration (including TII’s Falcon AI family, the Middle East’s largest AI models)
- Robotic learning & control at scale
Real-time AI-powered robotic systems for industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and defense
This is the first NVIDIA AI Technology Center in the Middle East to include robotics research, placing the UAE at the forefront of applied AI and Physical AI the convergence of perception, control, and language in intelligent machines.
“The launch of the TII-NVAITC for AI and Robotics marks a new chapter in our global NVAITC network. By working with TII in Abu Dhabi, we are expanding the scope of these centers into robotics for the first time in the Middle East – helping researchers and innovators accelerate breakthroughs that will shape the future of intelligent systems,”
said Carlo Ruiz, Vice President – Enterprise Solutions & Operations EMEA at NVIDIA.
Positioning the UAE as a Global AI & Robotics Powerhouse
The new lab strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for emerging technologies, advancing open innovation, research collaboration, and practical applications of AI and robotics.
It builds on TII’s existing modular robotic platforms and field-tested systems, including robotic arms and delivery robots, while encouraging cross-network learning within NVIDIA’s global AI technology ecosystem.
By fostering AI-driven robotics innovation, the TII–NVIDIA partnership aims to unlock new commercial opportunities, attract top global talent, and accelerate the UAE’s journey toward becoming a world leader in artificial intelligence and intelligent autonomous systems.
