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Abu Dhabi AI Company Aims To Create Global Tech Hub
Backed by the Advanced Technology Research Council, AI71 seeks to democratize access to AI using the UAE’s Falcon large language model.
Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council has launched a new artificial intelligence company known as AI71 in a bid to become a global hub for the emerging technology.
The new entity will democratize access to AI and is built using the Falcon large language model developed by the research council’s Technology Innovation Institute.
AI71 will soon be taken to market by commercialization arm VentureOne and was formally launched by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
The company is designed to cater to medical, legal, education, and government fields, with “many others” to come, according to Faisal Al Bannai, secretary general of the council:
“By creating AI71, [the company] becomes a major part of driving AI use across multiple sectors. So, it increases our efficiency and ability to be much more productive and competitive globally. We will not be shy in our objectives. We will not be humble in our goals. We are determined to be a key player in shaping where AI is going globally. AI71 will play a pivotal role in this journey”.
Also Read: How (And Why) To Start A Tech Business In Dubai
AI71 has already signed an agreement with the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Omar Al Olama, and local start-up ecosystem Hub71. Meanwhile, the company will join forces with major global corporations, including Amazon Web Services, PwC, World Wide Technology, and CNTXT.
Generative AI holds enormous economic potential. As investments in the sector continue to grow, Gulf countries are expected to generate $23.5 billion by 2030. The UAE has already made great strides in AI after recently unveiling the world’s largest Arabic natural language model.
News
Quantum Innovation Summit Wraps Up 2025 Edition
The highlight event showcased key industry collaborations and groundbreaking research, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in quantum technology.
The 2025 Quantum Innovation Summit, hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, has come to a close, after a wave of groundbreaking discussions, strategic partnerships, and ambitious plans for the future of quantum tech. The event solidified the UAE’s role as a global leader in quantum advancements, bringing together experts from government, academia, and industry.
Bridging Research And Industry
The summit featured heavyweights including Microsoft, IBM, D-Wave, Palo Alto Networks, IonQ, Quantlase, QuantumGate, PASQAL, ID Quantique, and Quantinuum. Over three days, attendees discussed important research and its real-world application, emphasizing quantum’s growing role in AI, computing, cryptography, and cybersecurity.
The event kicked off with the Quantum Futures Forum, a high-level gathering aligning quantum innovations with global security, economic resilience, and policymaking. The Quantum Debates provided a platform for industry leaders to address challenges in governance, investment, and commercial adoption, paving the way for a more collaborative quantum economy.
The official opening featured a keynote by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, who underscored the critical role of quantum technology in national security. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), followed with insights into TII’s advancements in quantum computing and cryptography, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to cutting-edge research and development.
Academic And Industry Collaborations Take Center Stage
The summit placed a strong emphasis on fostering quantum talent and innovation. The Academic Aisle provided a platform for researchers and students to showcase their work, while the Vernewell QInnovision World Challenge Finals spotlighted groundbreaking quantum solutions, strengthening the UAE’s reputation as a hub for quantum entrepreneurship.
Key announcements during the event included:
- VerneX Quantum Valley Launch – Vernewell Group unveiled this initiative at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Center for Quantum and Topological Systems (CQTS), aiming to drive quantum commercialization and deep-tech entrepreneurship.
- ID Quantique & Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy Partnership – A major step forward in enhancing quantum-secure communications for maritime trade and global logistics.
- Kipu Quantum & CQTS NYU Abu Dhabi Collaboration – Strengthening ties between academia and industry to advance quantum algorithm development and real-world applications.
- Quantum Marine Conference – A joint initiative by Vernewell Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy exploring how quantum technology can improve maritime cybersecurity and efficiency.
- Vernewell Group & REACH Group MoU – A strategic partnership to accelerate quantum adoption both in the UAE and globally, reinforcing the country’s leadership in deep-tech ecosystems.
Honoring Innovation And Leadership
The summit also took time to recognize individuals driving quantum advancements: H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, H.E. Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, and H.E. Faisal Al Bannai were honored with National Achievement Leadership in Innovation Awards for their contributions to cybersecurity and digital transformation.
The FemTum Leap Awards also celebrated pioneering women shaping the future of quantum technology, reinforcing the need for diverse leadership in deep tech. Meanwhile, the QInnovision World Challenge highlighted innovative quantum-powered solutions poised to transform industries.
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Quantum
Reflecting on the summit’s success, Mrs. Malak Trabelsi Loeb, Founder of the Quantum Innovation Summit and CEO of Vernewell Group, shared:
“With the support of the UAE Cyber Security Council and our esteemed academic partner, the Center for Quantum and Topological Systems at NYU Abu Dhabi, alongside key industry and government leaders, [we have solidified our] position as a global platform for quantum advancement. The strategic partnerships and commitments made during this summit reinforce our mission at Vernewell Group to ensure quantum technology drives economic resilience, security, and sustainable progress on a global scale”.
As quantum technology continues to evolve, the Quantum Innovation Summit is set to return on April 7–9, 2026. With a broader global network and deeper industry collaborations, the event will remain a cornerstone for shaping the future of quantum computing, investment, and policy development.
Quantum Innovation Summit Wraps Up 2025 Edition
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