Hajra Naz
DUBAI: Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Nvidia have opened a joint research lab in the United Arab Emirates. The new center will focus on next-generation AI models and robotics platforms, TII confirmed on Monday.
This is the first Nvidia AI Technology Center in the Middle East. The hub will combine TII’s research expertise with Nvidia’s advanced AI models and computing power. Both sides aim to accelerate projects that place the UAE at the heart of the global AI race.
Focus on Robotics and AI Hardware
Under the deal, TII will gain access to cutting-edge GPU chips to boost robotics research. TII CEO Najwa Aaraj explained that the team will now work with Nvidia’s Thor chip. The chip is designed for advanced robotics systems and supports humanoids, robotic arms, and four-legged robots.
TII is the applied research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees Abu Dhabi’s broader tech and innovation strategy. The partnership reflects the UAE’s ambitions to become a global AI leader.
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UAE’s Expanding AI Ambitions
The UAE has invested billions of dollars in artificial intelligence in recent years. It wants to diversify beyond oil and position itself as a hub for next-generation technology.
In May, during a Gulf visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, the UAE signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement to build one of the world’s largest data center hubs in Abu Dhabi. The deal would include access to Nvidia’s most advanced chips.
However, the agreement has faced delays. Sources told Reuters that U.S. officials raised security concerns over the UAE’s close ties to China. Despite this, UAE officials continue to push for strong partnerships with U.S. tech firms.
A Growing Partnership
TII and Nvidia already have a history of collaboration. Aaraj confirmed that TII has been using Nvidia GPUs to train its own large language models. Talks for the joint research hub began about a year ago.
The new lab will host teams from both organizations, with more staff to be hired in the coming months. Officials say the hub will speed up breakthroughs in robotics, AI safety, and model training.
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FAQs
1. What is the focus of the TII-NVIDIA joint research hub?
The lab will work on AI models and robotics, including humanoids, robotic arms, and four-legged robots.
2. Why is this partnership important for the UAE?
It supports the UAE’s goal of becoming a global AI leader while reducing reliance on oil by investing in advanced technology.
3. What technology will TII gain from Nvidia?
TII will use Nvidia’s Thor chip and other advanced GPU systems to power robotics and AI development.
4. Is the partnership linked to the UAE-U.S. data center deal?
Yes. The deal announced during Trump’s visit involved building a large data center hub in Abu Dhabi with Nvidia chips, though it faces delays.
5. Will this hub create new jobs?
Yes. TII confirmed that new staff will be hired for the joint lab, with teams from both TII and Nvidia working on-site.
