The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has partnered with NVIDIA to establish the Middle East’s first joint AI and robotics laboratory, marking a significant step in the region’s technological ambitions. The new research center, a first of its kind for NVIDIA in the region, aims to be a hub for advancing artificial intelligence models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies. This collaboration is set to integrate NVIDIA’s advanced computing platforms and expertise with TII’s multidisciplinary research in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and high-performance computing. According to Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, the lab will focus on developing next-generation AI models and intelligent systems capable of operating in complex, real-world environments. The partnership will utilize NVIDIA’s powerful Thor chip, an edge GPU designed specifically for advanced robotic systems, to accelerate TII’s work on humanoid robots, four-legged robots, and robotic arms. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global leader in technology and AI, a strategy underscored by a broader geopolitical context of strategic partnerships with global tech leaders.