Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute and Nvidia Launch the Middle East’s First Joint AI and Robotics Lab
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, has announced a strategic partnership with Nvidia, the global leader in computing and artificial intelligence. Together, they are launching the first joint Artificial Intelligence and Robotics laboratory in the Middle East. The partnership marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward developing advanced AI models, robotic platforms, and human-centric robotics technologies that will accelerate innovation across industries.
The announcement of the TII-NVAITC joint lab took place during a signing ceremony held at TII’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by senior executives from both organizations. The agreement was signed by Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, and Marc Domenech, Regional Director of Enterprise at Nvidia for the Middle East and North Africa.
The event was also attended by His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of the Advanced Technology Research Council, His Excellency Abdulaziz Al Dosari, Executive Director of the Council’s Corporate Services Sector, John Josephakis, Global Vice President for Sales and Business Development in High-Performance Computing at Nvidia, and Simon See, Global Head of Nvidia’s AI Technology Center.
This collaboration reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in applied artificial intelligence, aligned with its long-term vision of advancing technological sovereignty and shaping the future of autonomous intelligent systems. It also highlights the UAE’s growing influence as a global player in AI and robotics, following its recent strategic partnership with the United States on AI development. The move further cements the nation’s role as a key contributor to the global robotics ecosystem at a time when AI capabilities are advancing at unprecedented speed.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Najwa Aaraj said, “This collaboration with Nvidia represents a key step toward building AI-driven robotic systems capable of Inferencing, adapting, and operating in complex environments. By combining our advanced robotic platforms with powerful AI models and accelerated computing, we aim to enhance the integration of perception, control, and language capabilities, laying the foundation for a new era of intelligent machines.”
The joint laboratory will integrate Nvidia’s advanced computing infrastructure with TII’s multidisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, and high-performance computing. As the first facility of its kind in the region, it will serve as a hub for regional innovation and collaboration. The two partners will work together to accelerate the development of intelligent, practical AI systems and explore new frontiers in embodied AI through embodied models, advanced robotic platforms, and real-time computing architectures for robotic operations. Research areas will include large-scale robotic learning and control, as well as the integration of large language models, including the Falcon series developed by TII — the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Carlo Ruiz, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions and Operations for Nvidia in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said, “The launch of this joint AI and robotics lab marks a new chapter in our global network of centers. Through our collaboration with TII in Abu Dhabi, we are expanding this network to include robotics for the first time in the Middle East, enabling researchers and innovators to accelerate discoveries that will shape the future of intelligent systems.”
The new lab forms part of TII’s broader strategy to advance applied AI and robotics with real-world impact. It is built on a philosophy of open innovation and global knowledge exchange. Through the partnership, TII will collaborate with Nvidia on open-source research, shared initiatives, and expertise-exchange across the global NVAITC network. The facility will also leverage TII’s existing modular robotic platforms and proven field components, including robotic arms and delivery robots, while focusing on research that combines technical excellence with readiness for large-scale deployment.
