Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has partnered with Nvidia to establish a state-of-the-art AI and robotics research lab in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first Nvidia AI Technology Center in the Middle East. This joint initiative is designed to accelerate next-generation AI model development and robotics research for global deployment.
A Strategic Milestone for the Region
TII, the applied research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council, is at the forefront of the UAE’s push to become a global artificial intelligence leader. The collaboration with Nvidia brings cutting-edge compute capabilities to the region, including access to Nvidia’s powerful new edge GPU chip, Thor—built specifically to support sophisticated robotic systems like humanoids, quadrupeds, and robotic arms.
According to Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, “The Thor chip is a new addition to our arsenal and will enable more advanced robotic systems development.” The lab will also house joint teams from both organizations and expand staffing to accommodate its ambitious R&D agenda.
Driving AI Innovation in the Gulf
The lab’s launch comes amid the UAE’s growing investments in AI, data infrastructure, and partnerships with global tech leaders. During a Gulf visit by U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2025, a multi-billion-dollar data center deal was signed to build one of the world’s largest compute hubs in Abu Dhabi—powered by Nvidia’s most advanced chips. However, the deal is still awaiting finalisation amid concerns about UAE’s geopolitical ties.
TII has already been working closely with Nvidia, using its chips to train large language models. The new lab solidifies that relationship while opening doors to research in AI models that can be applied to defense, automation, and industrial use cases.
Boosting Global AI Ecosystems
The initiative also signals Nvidia’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in emerging tech ecosystems worldwide. The Middle East has become a focal point of global AI investments, with countries like the UAE aiming to diversify from oil revenues and position themselves as digital economy powerhouses.
This joint lab will help drive advancements in AI safety, edge computing, and real-time robotic autonomy, aligning with global research goals around ethical AI deployment and sovereign technological capabilities.
