TLDR:
- Abu Dhabi is building a $2.5B AI-powered smart city called AION SENTIA.
- BOLD Technologies and My Aion will run it using advanced AI for key services.
- The project will create jobs and boost local tech innovation.
- China launched 12 satellites to build the first AI supercomputer in space.
As the global AI race intensifies, Abu Dhabi has announced a groundbreaking $2.5 billion initiative to build an AI-powered smart city known as AION SENTIA Cognitive City.
As per a Wednesday announcement, the project, a collaborative effort between Abu Dhabi-based BOLD Technologies and global AI firm My Aion, aims to revolutionize urban infrastructure through cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
City to Set New Global Standard for Smart Cities
Structured under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, the initiative will initially focus on transforming key sectors including mobility, healthcare, energy, education, and digital services. At the heart of this ambitious venture is MAIA, the proprietary AI engine developed by My Aion, which will power the city’s intelligent systems.
AION SENTIA is designed to function as a scalable platform, with Abu Dhabi serving as the global headquarters and initial deployment site. The project is set to roll out over the next 18 months, with plans to expand globally thereafter. This strategic move aligns closely with the UAE’s national AI strategy, which aims to position the country as a global hub for AI by 2031.
The launch event, held at the prestigious Emirates Palace Hotel, drew over 100 influential figures from government, business, and technology sectors. Attendees included representatives from global giants such as Amazon, Sequoia Capital, TikTok, and Stellantis, as well as UAE-based institutions like ADNOC, G42, and Abu Dhabi Capital Group. The strong international presence at the event underscores the global interest in Abu Dhabi’s AI ambitions.
“This initiative will support job creation for UAE nationals, foster local innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the national AI ecosystem,” said Thani Al Thani Al Falasi, CEO of BOLD Technologies. “We are proud to lead a project that will not only transform how cities function but also set new standards for smart urban living.”
My Aion’s CEO Daniele Marinelli echoed the sentiment, adding, “Relocating our global operations to Abu Dhabi is a strategic step. The UAE offers the infrastructure, policy support, and visionary leadership required to scale such a transformative project.”
In addition to building the AI city, the partnership includes plans to collaborate with local universities to launch AI training and upskilling programs, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing a future-ready workforce.
The AION SENTIA platform will rely on advanced AI, data analytics, and sensor networks to manage complex urban ecosystems. From smart traffic management to intelligent healthcare services, the city is envisioned as a model of seamless, AI-driven integration.
Nations Double Down on AI Leadership
This initiative places the UAE firmly on the map of the global AI race, as countries around the world step up efforts to lead in this transformative field. The U.S. and China continue to pour billions into AI R&D, while nations like Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK are actively building national AI strategies and dedicated smart zones.
Already, China has started assembling an AI supercomputer in space, taking the global AI race beyond Earth. Earlier this month, a Long March 2D rocket launched 12 satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The mission is part of China’s so-called “Three-Body Computing Constellation”, a groundbreaking project led by ADA Space and Zhejiang Lab. This satellite-based network is designed to perform distributed computing and AI processing directly in orbit, eliminating the need for ground-based infrastructure.
