UAE accelerates AI push with ambitious “Cognitive Cities” plan

The UAE is taking a bold step in urban digitalization with a $2.5 billion investment to integrate all public and private services in Abu Dhabi through a single AI platform by 2027. This ambitious project, known as Aion Sentia, reflects the Gulf region’s strategic pivot toward technological leadership as countries like the UAE position themselves at the forefront of AI innovation while diversifying their economies beyond traditional energy exports.

The big picture: The UAE is partnering with Italy’s Synapsia and local firm Bold Technologies to consolidate Abu Dhabi‘s entire service infrastructure onto a unified AI platform called Aion Sentia.

• The $2.5 billion project aims to integrate everything from automated public transportation to healthcare support and smart home systems by 2027, according to the Khaleej Times.
• This initiative represents a significant leap beyond traditional smart city concepts toward what Synapsia calls “Cognitive Cities” with fully autonomous urban management.

Why this matters: The project emerges during intensifying global competition in AI development, with Gulf states strategically positioning themselves between U.S. and Chinese technological spheres of influence.

• During his recent Middle East tour, U.S. President Donald Trump approved a deal for constructing the world’s largest AI campus outside America in the UAE, removing previous restrictions on advanced chip access.
• Gulf nations are increasingly viewing AI not just as a means to enhance domestic efficiency but as a pathway to economic diversification and geopolitical relevance beyond their traditional petroleum-based economies.

Key details: Aion Sentia builds upon an earlier foundation established between the partnering companies in March 2025.

• Synapsia and Bold Technologies previously signed a UAE-backed agreement to deploy their Maia engine for coordinating urban infrastructure including traffic, public lighting, transportation, and security.
• Saudi Arabia is pursuing similar AI ambitions with its flagship Neom city project, highlighting a regional trend toward technologically-advanced urban development.

What they’re saying: Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., emphasized the personal dimension of the technology being developed.

• “Imagine an AI that knows you so well, it can recommend the perfect place for your anniversary dinner and book it for you without you lifting a finger. That’s the power of MAIA,” Marinelli told the Khaleej Times.

Where we go from here: The UAE has indicated plans to expand Aion Sentia globally after its Abu Dhabi pilot phase, though specific international target locations remain unannounced.