The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) of Abu Dhabi and Nvidia have inaugurated a joint research laboratory in the United Arab Emirates. The lab will focus on advancing next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) models and robotics, according to a statement from TII on Monday.
Named the region’s first Nvidia AI Technology Center, the collaborative hub merges the multidisciplinary expertise of TII with Nvidia’s cutting-edge computing power and AI models, a combination that is helping drive the global AI expansion.
TII CEO Najwa Aaraj stated that the collaboration provides the institute with access to specialized edge GPU chips for robotics initiatives, encompassing projects such as humanoids, four-legged robots, and robotic arms. The facility will be using the new Thor chip, which is designed to facilitate the development of advanced robotic systems, Aaraj explained in an interview.
As the applied research division of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, TII’s efforts are part of the UAE’s broader push to position itself as a major global player in AI. The Gulf nation, an oil powerhouse, has invested billions into AI and aims to utilize its strong ties with the United States for advanced technological access.
During President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf in May, the UAE secured a multi-billion dollar agreement to develop one of the world’s largest data center hubs in Abu Dhabi, incorporating American technology and the latest Nvidia chips. However, the agreement has not been finalized, with sources telling Reuters that security concerns due to the UAE’s close engagement with China have delayed progress.
Aaraj highlighted TII’s ongoing collaboration with Nvidia, stating the institute has long used Nvidia chips for language model training. Discussions to establish the new research hub began roughly a year ago and, according to Aaraj, the center will bring together teams from both organizations and expand recruitment specifically for the project.
