VentureOne, the commercialization arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has launched SteerAI, an AI-powered autonomous mobility system that can be integrated into existing industrial vehicles. Developed by experts at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), SteerAI uses a hardware kit, software stack, and fleet management system. The system targets the logistics and defense sectors, enabling autonomous ground vehicles to perform complex missions with precision and efficiency. Why it matters: This launch underscores the UAE's ambition to become a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, transforming industries and enhancing operational capabilities in critical sectors.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has developed AI-powered autonomous drones capable of navigating complex environments at speeds up to 80 km/h using only a camera and IMU sensor. The drones use onboard AI-driven visual odometry and reinforcement learning to adapt to their environment in real time. In direct competition, the TII drone set a best lap time of 4.38s, compared to 6.32s and 5.34s for human pilots. Why it matters: This research demonstrates the potential of AI-powered UAVs to surpass human-operated drones in agility and precision, with applications for the transport of goods and potentially people.
H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has been named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in AI. Al Bannai's leadership at ATRC has driven AI advancements through the Falcon LLM series developed by TII and the launch of AI71, which delivers AI solutions across sectors like medicine and education. This recognition reflects the UAE’s commitment to using AI for global good. Why it matters: The award highlights the UAE's growing prominence and strategic vision in shaping the global AI landscape, particularly through open-source initiatives.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has released Falcon Mamba 7B, a new large language model and the first State Space Language Model (SSLM) in its Falcon series. Falcon Mamba 7B is the top-ranked open-source SSLM globally, outperforming Meta's Llama 3.1 8B, Llama 3 8B, and Mistral’s 7B on HuggingFace benchmarks. SSLMs excel at understanding complex, evolving situations and have applications in NLP tasks like machine translation and text summarization. Why it matters: This release strengthens the UAE's position as an AI hub, demonstrating TII's commitment to pioneering research and open-source AI development in the region.
TII's Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC) and NYU's Agile Robotics and Perception Lab have released RLtools, an open-source reinforcement learning library. RLtools achieves a 75x speed-up in training compared to existing libraries, enabling drone controller training on standard computers. It allows training on consumer-grade laptops or directly on microcontrollers, addressing resource efficiency and deployment challenges. Why it matters: This library accelerates the development and deployment of autonomous systems by reducing training time and resource requirements, making advanced AI more accessible.
The Open Arabic LLM Leaderboard (OALL) has been launched to benchmark Arabic language models, addressing the gap in resources for non-English NLP. It incorporates datasets like AlGhafa, ACVA, and translated versions of MMLU and EXAMS from the AceGPT suite. The leaderboard uses normalized log likelihood accuracy for tasks, built around HuggingFace’s LightEval framework. Why it matters: This initiative promotes research and development in Arabic NLP, serving over 380 million Arabic speakers by enhancing the evaluation and improvement of Arabic LLMs.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched Falcon 2, a new series of large language models including the Falcon 2 11B and Falcon 2 11B VLM. The Falcon 2 11B outperforms Meta’s Llama 3 (8B) and performs on par with Google’s Gemma 7B, as verified by Hugging Face. Falcon 2 11B VLM is TII's first multimodal model with vision-to-language capabilities and is open-source, making it accessible to developers. Why it matters: This release strengthens the UAE's position in AI research and development, providing open-source models that can be deployed on smaller infrastructures and used in diverse sectors.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched a Biofoundry to advance R&D in synthetic biology, focusing on genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and bioinformatics. The facility features high-throughput robotic systems, next-generation sequencing, and advanced computational tools. TII's Biofoundry is now part of the Global Biofoundry Alliance (GBA) to foster partnerships and address shared challenges. Why it matters: This initiative positions the UAE as a key player in synthetic biology, with potential breakthroughs across healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
The inaugural ASPIRE Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will take place on April 27th at the Yas Marina Circuit with 8 teams competing for a $2.25 million prize. Teams will use identical Dallara Super Formula SF23 cars autonomized by TII, relying on their coding and AI algorithms to race. The event will feature autonomous cars racing simultaneously and an AI vs Human race with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Why it matters: This event highlights the UAE's commitment to advancing AI and autonomous systems, potentially establishing Abu Dhabi as a hub for autonomous vehicle innovation in extreme conditions.
The Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC) is developing underwater communication systems, including a multimode modem prototype, and has filed three patents. One key technology is the Universal Underwater Software Defined Modem (UniSDM), which supports sound, magnetic induction, light, and radio waves. ARRC also developed a network management framework for automatic network slicing (ANS) of communication resources. Why it matters: These advancements are crucial for improving underwater exploration, industrial maintenance, and marine monitoring in the region, enabling more efficient and reliable communication for underwater robots.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII), ASPIRE, and Maqta Gateway have signed a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) agreement to develop AI and robotics solutions for terrestrial, aerial, and marine applications. The projects include unmanned ground vehicles for cargo movement and autonomous watercraft for passenger transport in Abu Dhabi. The solutions will use computer vision, communication, sensors, and Lidar technology to integrate with AD Ports Group’s infrastructure, enhancing productivity and reducing costs. Why it matters: This partnership signifies Abu Dhabi's commitment to integrating advanced autonomous technologies into its logistics and transportation infrastructure, potentially setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in the region.
Researchers at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have identified a new universality in dynamic phase transitions by investigating a "quench" scenario in a two-dimensional atomic cloud undergoing a Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition. They discovered the universal behavior that vortex pairs form from the fluctuations of the atomic cloud during this dynamic phase transition and successfully described the process using a real-time renormalization method. Their paper, titled “Universal scaling of the dynamic BKT transition in quenched 2D Bose gases”, was published in Science. Why it matters: This discovery could catalyze the development of sensitive quantum sensors and contributes to a better understanding of many-body dynamics.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched a blockchain-powered carbon tracking and trading platform at COP28. The platform, designed by TII’s Cryptography Research Center (CRC), aims to facilitate international trade in carbon tokens and promote green investment. It uses a lightweight, efficient blockchain implementation for transparent and secure verification of tracking and trading activities. Why it matters: The platform supports the UAE's sustainability goals and contributes to the global effort to achieve net-zero emissions by enabling verifiable and trustworthy carbon trading.
TII has launched AMALLOY-HT, the first metal additive manufacturing alloy designed in the Middle East for harsh operating conditions. The new aluminum alloy powder is designed for use in Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) systems. AMALLOY-HT demonstrates excellent thermal stability, especially in high-temperature environments (up to 300°C). Why it matters: This advancement positions the UAE as a key player in additive manufacturing materials research and expands the range of 3D-printable high-strength metals, enabling new applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy.
Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is offering training compute power to scientists, researchers, and SME entrepreneurs with innovative use cases for Falcon 40B, its open-source LLM. TII is welcoming submissions globally across industries like biotech, engineering, finance, and healthcare. A dedicated AI Cross-Center Unit (AICCU) of over 40 AI scientists will assess proposals based on research objectives, methodology, and potential impact. Why it matters: This initiative can foster innovation in AI applications across various sectors by providing access to cutting-edge LLMs and substantial compute resources.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in the UAE has made its Falcon 40B large language model royalty-free for commercial and research use. Falcon 40B is ranked #1 on Hugging Face's leaderboard for LLMs, outperforming models like LLaMA. The model is now available under the Apache 2.0 license, promoting open access and collaboration in AI. Why it matters: This decision could accelerate AI innovation in the region by providing easier access to a state-of-the-art LLM for both public and private sector applications.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched Falcon 40B, a 40-billion parameter large language model, as open source for research and commercial use. Falcon 40B was trained on one trillion tokens. TII is offering access to the model's weights and compute power for selected research proposals via VentureOne. Why it matters: This open-source release with commercial licensing disrupts LLM access in the region, fostering AI innovation and enabling diverse applications across sectors.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched Falcon LLM, a 40 billion parameter large language model (LLM). Developed by the AI and Digital Science Research Center (AIDRC), Falcon LLM outperforms GPT-3 while using less training compute. The model was trained on one trillion tokens and will impact fields like education and healthcare. Why it matters: This release establishes the UAE as a major player in generative AI and supports the nation's AI strategy.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) announced that its Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) has developed the first high-power (kW-level) Ytterbium-doped fiber laser in the MENA region, designed, assembled, and tested in the UAE. The project, led by Dr. Giuseppe Scurria, involved building an optical laboratory, developing local expertise in optical fiber processing, and establishing relationships with laser and photonics companies. High-power fiber lasers have applications in material processing, defense, telecommunications, and medicine. Why it matters: This achievement signifies a critical step for the UAE towards sovereignty in high-power laser technologies and establishes the UAE as a key player in the fiber laser field, opening doors for further collaborations.
The Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC) at TII won the Nanocopter AI Challenge 2022, part of the International Micro Air Vehicle Conference. The challenge involved developing AI-enabled solutions for Bitcraze’s Crazyflie nanocopters to perform vision-based obstacle avoidance. The ARRC team's nano-drone completed a 110m flight in 5 minutes with no crashes in a dynamic environment. Why it matters: This victory demonstrates the growing expertise in autonomous robotics and AI-powered drone technology within the UAE, with potential applications in search and rescue, industrial inspection, and precision agriculture.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) has developed 'Shaheen', the UAE's first RISC-V-based System-on-Chip (SoC), in collaboration with Khalifa University and other global partners. Shaheen is a test chip for drone flight control, incorporating features like a hypervisor extension, Zero Trust security, and a PULP ML accelerator. It serves as a pilot version for the Al Saqr SoC planned for 2023. Why it matters: This achievement provides the UAE with the foundational knowledge for domestic silicon manufacturing, promoting high-skilled jobs and autonomy in critical technology sectors like UAV security.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched a state-of-the-art research facility within its Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) in Abu Dhabi's Tawazun Industrial Park. The facility includes seven workshops and five specialized laboratories focusing on areas like High-Power ElectroMagnetics (HPEM), acoustics, and laser development. It can accommodate 150 researchers and provides research and testing services to local industries, including Radio Frequency testing and acoustic experiments. Why it matters: This new facility enhances the UAE's research infrastructure and supports the development of advanced technologies for regional industries in the safety and security sector.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with LightOn, has launched NOOR, a 10 billion parameter Arabic natural language processing (NLP) model. The model was trained on a large, high-quality cross-domain Arabic dataset including web data, books, poetry, news, and technical information. It enables applications in automated summarization, chatbots, and personalized marketing. Why it matters: NOOR represents a significant advancement in Arabic NLP, potentially enabling more sophisticated AI applications tailored to the Arabic language and regional needs.
ARRC researchers in collaboration with the University of Bologna and ETH Zürich have developed a CNN-based AI deck to enable autonomous navigation of a 27g nano-drone in unknown environments. The CNN allows the drone to recognize and avoid obstacles using only an onboard camera, running 10x faster and using 10x less memory than previous versions. The demo also featured a swarm of nano-drones flying in formation using ultra-wideband communication. Why it matters: This advancement could significantly enhance the capabilities of nano-drones for applications such as disaster response, where quick and efficient intervention is crucial.
Technology Innovation Institute’s (TII) Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) has launched the MENA region's first Impact Lab in Abu Dhabi. The lab will serve as a testing ground for advanced materials, laminates, and composites. It features equipment like a Universal Testing Machine and a Gas-Gun Projectile Launcher, the latter being the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Why it matters: The Impact Lab will accelerate the development and application of advanced materials technologies in the UAE and the broader MENA region, enhancing capabilities in industries ranging from aerospace to sports equipment.
TII's DERC, in partnership with Brazilian firm RADAZ, has obtained the first microwave images from their joint project on Airborne Multi-band Interferometric Microwave Imaging (A(MI)2) in Abu Dhabi. The project uses a new multiband Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) operating in P, L, and C frequency bands to generate terrain images. The system, which can be mounted on commercial drones, also integrates Ground Penetrating Radar capability to detect buried objects. Why it matters: This technology enhances remote sensing capabilities in the region, enabling applications in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
Technology Innovation Institute's (TII) Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) in Abu Dhabi has launched the GCC region's first Laser-Matter Interaction (LMI) Laboratory. The LMI Lab, part of DERC's Laser, Photonics, and Optoelectronics Division, will investigate laser interactions with matter. This lab will enable local research and development in laser materials processing, plasma physics, and nanotechnology, reducing reliance on foreign outsourcing. Why it matters: This regional first enhances the UAE's position in advanced technology research and expands the application of lasers across diverse industries in the GCC.
TII's Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is now the first in the GCC to reproduce high-altitude electromagnetic pulses (HEMP) from nuclear reactions using its EMC labs, in partnership with Montena Technologies. The Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Simulator allows local testing of critical infrastructure and electronics, reducing reliance on foreign facilities. DERC's capabilities will support government entities and industries in hardening equipment against international standards. Why it matters: This provides strategic autonomy and enhances the UAE's ability to protect critical infrastructure from electromagnetic threats, benefiting various sectors including emergency services, telecommunications, and finance.
TII's Secure Systems Research Center (SSRC) in Abu Dhabi has launched a motion capture (MOCAP) facility for testing drones in augmented reality, the first such facility outside the US. SSRC's MOCAP facility will simulate environments like Abu Dhabi city to enable high-precision ground truth for experiments. The facility will allow the modelling and operation of a cloud-based secure autonomous system of drones. Why it matters: This positions the UAE as a leader in drone security research, enabling advanced testing and development of secure drone systems for various critical applications.
A team led by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has developed NATHR-G1, a ground penetrating radar for detecting landmines and unexploded ordnance. The project, involving researchers from Colombia, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, builds on earlier work using radar to detect buried objects. NATHR-G1 incorporates machine learning for advanced signal processing and object identification. Why it matters: This humanitarian application of AI and robotics based in the UAE could significantly reduce casualties from landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has begun constructing the UAE's first quantum computer. The project started with the arrival of a 300-part cryostat from Finland, designed to cool the computer's brain to extremely low temperatures. The quantum computer will leverage quantum mechanics principles to enhance computational efficiency. Why it matters: This initiative positions the UAE as a regional leader in quantum computing, with potential advancements in fields like medicine, battery technology, and AI.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratories in Abu Dhabi, the first such facility in the Arab world. The facility at TII's Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) includes three labs: an EMC semi-anechoic chamber, a pulsed power laboratory, and a low-noise emanation laboratory. These labs will enable evaluation of technologies against electromagnetic interference and support in-country R&D and local industry in line with UAE's 'Operation 300bn'. Why it matters: This advanced infrastructure signals the UAE's commitment to fostering innovation in electronics and related sectors, reducing reliance on foreign testing and certification.
Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched the UAE's first Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) software library, developed by the Cryptography Research Center (CRC). The library, written in C, supports various computer architectures and operating systems and has been integrated into secure communication products. It includes algorithms designed to protect against attacks by quantum computers, which threaten classic cryptographic methods. Why it matters: This launch positions the UAE among nations with advanced digital security capabilities, enhancing data confidentiality and security in the face of emerging quantum computing threats.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi announced its Quantum Research Center (QRC) will build the UAE’s first quantum computer in collaboration with Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech. The computer will use superconducting qubits, the same technology used by Google and IBM. The first quantum chips are expected by the end of summer. Why it matters: This project positions the UAE as a leader in quantum computing research and development in the Middle East, potentially enabling breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, and AI.
Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) announced that its Cryptography Research Center (CRC) has developed the UAE’s first national crypto library. The library is designed to protect sensitive data using custom symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic primitives. It will be integrated into the UAE’s critical digital infrastructure across sectors like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. Why it matters: This establishes sovereign capability in cryptography and enhances security levels against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched Falcon-H1 Arabic, a new large language model based on a hybrid Mamba-Transformer architecture. The Falcon-H1 family comes in 3B, 7B, and 34B parameter sizes and outperforms existing models on the Open Arabic LLM Leaderboard (OALL). The model features improvements in data quality, dialect coverage, and long-context stability. Why it matters: This release strengthens the UAE's position in Arabic AI and provides a high-performing model tailored to the linguistic and cultural needs of the region.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has launched Falcon H1R 7B, an open-source 7B parameter AI model with reasoning capabilities. It outperforms larger models like Microsoft Phi 4 Reasoning Plus 14B, Alibaba Qwen3 32B, and NVIDIA Nemotron H 47B on key benchmarks. The model uses a hybrid Transformer–Mamba architecture for improved accuracy and speed and is available on Hugging Face under the Falcon TII License. Why it matters: This release highlights the UAE's growing role in AI innovation by providing an efficient and accessible model for global research and development.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Resource Industries have partnered to integrate autonomous air system technologies into operational defense platforms. The collaboration will embed TII's research, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and radio frequency (RF) magnetic mapping, into Resource Industries' aerial platforms. The aim is to enhance intelligence gathering and decision-making in complex environments. Why it matters: This partnership signifies the UAE's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities through indigenous innovation and autonomous systems, aligning with national strategies for technological advancement.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched a cloud service providing access to its in-house Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), which range from 5 to 25 qubits. Initially available to TII partners, the service allows users to run quantum workloads on TII’s quantum hardware via the cloud, using the open-source Qibo framework as the software layer. These QPUs feature in-house fabricated chips and demonstrate quantum coherence times up to ten times longer than TII's first-generation prototypes. Why it matters: This launch provides a platform for experimentation and development of hybrid quantum-classical workflows on locally developed infrastructure, accelerating quantum research in the region.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched a cloud API providing access to quantum-inspired algorithms developed by its Quantum Research Center (QRC). The platform offers a testbed for partners to evaluate and build proof-of-concept applications, with the first algorithm being a quantum annealing emulator. Access is provided through two interfaces, enabling large-scale classical simulations and supporting the solution of combinatorial optimization problems. Why it matters: This initiative expands TII's quantum ecosystem and facilitates applied research and early-stage industry experimentation with advanced computational methods in the GCC region.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has integrated its Quantum Computing Cloud Platform with NVIDIA CUDA-Q. This allows global researchers to submit quantum jobs to TII's physical quantum hardware and simulators using the CUDA-Q programming interface. The integration provides a unified "write-once, run-anywhere" experience for quantum job submission. Why it matters: This partnership enhances the accessibility and performance of TII's quantum computing resources, integrating the UAE's quantum capabilities into the global high-performance computing landscape.
Robo.ai, a robot data company, is leveraging the United Arab Emirates' ambitious $100 billion investment into artificial intelligence to power its business growth. The company focuses on collecting and processing data generated by robots, which is crucial for training and improving AI models in robotics applications. This strategic alignment positions Robo.ai to benefit from the UAE's national drive to become a global leader in AI and advanced technologies. Why it matters: This development demonstrates a tangible example of how the UAE's significant national AI investments are translating into ecosystem growth and specialized industry development within the region.
This study introduces a reinforcement learning (RL) framework using Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) to optimize the cleaning schedules of photovoltaic panels in arid regions. Applied to a case study in Abu Dhabi, the PPO-based framework demonstrated up to 13% cost savings compared to simulation optimization methods by dynamically adjusting cleaning intervals based on environmental conditions. The research highlights the potential of RL in enhancing the efficiency and reducing the operational costs of solar power generation.
MBZUAI researchers have developed an automatic interview system that uses LLMs to elicit nuanced, role-specific information from job candidates, improving early-stage hiring decisions. The system updates its belief about an applicant's rubric-oriented latent traits in a calibrated way based on their interview performance. Evaluation on simulated interviews showed the system's belief converges towards the simulated applicants' constructed ability levels.
The paper introduces ILION, a deterministic execution gate designed to ensure the safety of autonomous AI agents by classifying proposed actions as either BLOCK or ALLOW. ILION uses a five-component cascade architecture that operates without statistical training, API dependencies, or labeled data. Evaluation against existing text-safety infrastructures demonstrates ILION's superior performance in preventing unauthorized actions, achieving an F1 score of 0.8515 with sub-millisecond latency.
Saudi Aramco and Microsoft have signed an agreement to advance industrial artificial intelligence and digital transformation initiatives. The partnership aims to leverage Microsoft's cloud capabilities and AI technologies to enhance Aramco's operational efficiency and foster innovation. This collaboration will support the integration of advanced digital solutions across Aramco's industrial processes. Why it matters: This deal signifies a strategic push by a major Middle Eastern energy firm to adopt advanced AI and cloud technologies, potentially setting a precedent for industrial digitization in the region.
Qatar Foundation (QF) has announced a partnership with Scale AI, a leading data platform for artificial intelligence. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and foster tech talent development within Qatar's AI ecosystem. This initiative will leverage Scale AI's expertise in data infrastructure and model development to support QF's research and education efforts. Why it matters: This partnership strengthens Qatar's position as an emerging AI hub by integrating global AI expertise to cultivate local talent and drive technological advancement.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new polymer membrane for desalination that operates at ambient temperature and pressure. The membrane achieves high salt rejection with lower energy demand compared to conventional methods. It is currently being tested at pilot scale at KAUST. Why it matters: This technology could improve water sustainability and reduce energy consumption in desalination, addressing critical water challenges in arid regions like Saudi Arabia.
The paper presents MonoRace, an onboard drone racing approach using a monocular camera and IMU. The system combines neural-network-based gate segmentation with a drone model for robust state estimation, along with offline optimization using gate geometry. MonoRace won the 2025 Abu Dhabi Autonomous Drone Racing Competition (A2RL), outperforming AI teams and human world champions, reaching speeds up to 100 km/h. Why it matters: This demonstrates a significant advancement in autonomous drone racing, achieving champion-level performance with a resource-efficient monocular system, validated in a real-world competition setting in the UAE.
KAUST has established the KAUST Quantum Foundry to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to fabricate commercial quantum hardware. It will provide shared access to KAUST quantum cleanrooms, supporting device prototyping and process development. The Foundry will focus on process standardization and the development of Process Design Kits (PDKs) to enable researchers to design and fabricate devices. Why it matters: This initiative reinforces KAUST's role as a national hub for advanced research infrastructure and supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term innovation priorities in quantum technologies.