Abu Dhabi’s TII and NVIDIA Launch Groundbreaking AI & Robotics Research Lab in the Middle East
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has partnered with NVIDIA, the global leader in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence, to establish the Middle East’s first Joint Lab dedicated to AI and robotics. This pioneering collaboration creates a one-of-a-kind hub in the region for developing next-generation AI models, advanced robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies, accelerating innovation across industries and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in intelligent autonomous systems.
A Landmark Collaboration for AI and Robotics
The announcement of the TII-NVAITC (NVIDIA AI Technology Center) Joint Lab for AI and Robotics was made during a formal signing ceremony at TII’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The agreement was signed by Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, and Marc Domenech, Regional Director for Enterprise – META Region at NVIDIA. The event was attended by senior leaders from both organizations, including H.E. Shahab Abu Shahab, Director General at ATRC, H.E. Abdulaziz Al Dosari, Executive Director of Support Services at ATRC, John Josephakis, Global VP of Sales and Business Development for HPC/Supercomputing at NVIDIA, and Simon See, Global Head of NVIDIA AI Technology Centre at NVIDIA. This landmark partnership marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward technological sovereignty and leadership in AI and robotics.
The collaboration aligns seamlessly with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to advance cutting-edge technologies and reinforce its position on the global stage. It also highlights the UAE’s growing prominence as a hub for AI and robotics innovation, underscored by initiatives such as the US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership. As AI capabilities continue to evolve rapidly, this joint lab positions the UAE as a key contributor to the global robotics ecosystem.
Accelerating the Future of Intelligent Machines
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration: “This partnership with NVIDIA represents a major leap forward in building AI-enhanced robotic systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and operating in complex environments. By combining our advanced robotic platforms with NVIDIA’s powerful AI models and compute capabilities, we are accelerating the convergence of perception, control, and language—laying the groundwork for a new era of intelligent machines.”
The TII-NVAITC Joint Lab will leverage NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms and expertise alongside TII’s multidisciplinary research in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and high-performance computing. As the first NVAITC lab in the Middle East, it will focus on advancing Physical AI through embodied AI models, state-of-the-art robotics, and humanoid stacks. The lab will also develop hardware optimized for real-time robotic systems, enabling breakthroughs in robotic learning, control at scale, and the integration of large language models like TII’s Falcon family—the Middle East’s first and largest AI models.
Carlo Ruiz, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions & Operations EMEA at NVIDIA, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “The launch of the TII-NVAITC for AI and Robotics opens a new chapter in our global NVAITC network. By collaborating with TII in Abu Dhabi, we are expanding the scope of these centers into robotics for the first time in the Middle East—empowering researchers and innovators to accelerate breakthroughs that will shape the future of intelligent systems.”
Driving Real-World Impact Through Innovation
At its core, the TII-NVAITC Joint Lab is designed to advance applied AI and robotics solutions with tangible real-world applications. It reflects TII’s commitment to open innovation and global knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration on research, open-source initiatives, and cross-network learning within the global NVAITC community. The lab builds on TII’s existing modular robotic platforms and field-tested components, including robotic arms and delivery robots, ensuring that research remains grounded in both technical excellence and practical readiness.
The lab’s focus on integrating AI with robotics promises to unlock new possibilities across industries. For example, advancements in humanoid technologies could revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and customer service. Similarly, developments in autonomous systems have the potential to transform transportation, agriculture, and disaster response. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation, the lab aims to deliver innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges.
Positioning Abu Dhabi as a Global Leader
This groundbreaking collaboration places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the AI and robotics revolution. By combining TII’s deep expertise in applied research with NVIDIA’s cutting-edge technology, the joint lab reinforces the UAE’s commitment to technological sovereignty and positions the country as a major player in shaping the future of intelligent systems. The initiative also aligns with broader national strategies, such as the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which seeks to integrate AI into various sectors and enhance the nation’s global competitiveness.
Moreover, the establishment of the TII-NVAITC Joint Lab underscores the UAE’s role as a bridge between the East and West in technological innovation. By fostering international partnerships and contributing to the global AI and robotics ecosystem, the UAE is poised to play a pivotal role in driving progress and setting new standards for excellence.
A New Era of Intelligent Systems
As AI and robotics continue to reshape industries and redefine the boundaries of what machines can achieve, the TII-NVAITC Joint Lab stands as a beacon of innovation in the Middle East. By harnessing the power of next-generation AI and robotics, this collaboration promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth, efficiency, and societal impact. Together, TII and NVIDIA are paving the way for a future where intelligent machines not only enhance human capabilities but also drive transformative change on a global scale.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the launch of the TII-NVAITC Joint Lab represents a bold step forward—a testament to the UAE’s vision, ambition, and commitment to leading the charge in the AI and robotics revolution.
