On October 9, 2025, the Gulf region’s first AI Centre of Excellence was launched in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step in enhancing artificial intelligence capabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The initiative is a collaboration between the Lakeba Group, the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), DoxAI, and AqlanX.
The Centre will operate under the leadership of Marisa Mastroianni, Global Group CEO of UOWD, and will utilize Australian-developed intellectual property and research frameworks. Its primary goal is to support applied research, workforce development, and public-private partnerships within the rapidly expanding tech sector in the UAE.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
This groundbreaking initiative comes on the heels of a reaffirmation of bilateral ties between the UAE and Australia. During Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese‘s visit to the UAE in September, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed a mutual commitment to advancing collaboration in technology, education, investment, and sustainability.
The partnership between Lakeba and its long-time collaborators, Microsoft and Intel, forms the backbone of this project. Lakeba is currently the only Australian firm participating in the UAE’s NextGen FDI Consortium, highlighting the increasing influence of Australian technology in the region.
National Vision and Strategy
The Centre was established as part of the NextGen FDI initiative, led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade. This initiative aims to enhance private sector engagement in digital transformation, focusing on developing local talent, advancing research, and investing in digital infrastructure.
“Through the NextGen FDI Initiative, we are creating a vibrant, dynamic ecosystem that will help us achieve our national vision,”
said Dr. Al Zeyoudi. He emphasized that the Centre will nurture future generations of AI talent and support the UAE’s economic and technological development.
The Centre is designed to build sovereign AI assets, including data infrastructure and applications tailored to regional needs. Its core mission includes nurturing local AI capabilities from research to commercialization, aligning with the UAE’s strategic objectives.
Specific focus areas for the Centre include the development of Arabic language models and automation platforms across vital sectors such as energy, healthcare, and education. It will also serve as the official research and development headquarters for AqlanX, in line with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031.
Collaboration Between Academia and Industry
The roles within the partnership are clearly defined. UOWD will provide academic leadership, Lakeba Group will share its global venture-building experience, DoxAI will offer automation tools, and AqlanX will oversee commercialization and infrastructure integration. This collaborative structure aims to span the entire spectrum from research to market deployment.
“This is a model of how academia, government, and enterprise must unite—not just to build AI—but to shape the future of civilization,”
stated Giuseppe Porcelli, CEO of Lakeba Group.
The Centre’s focus on AI talent incubation includes active participation from UOWD students and faculty, alongside initiatives in responsible AI policy and cyber-ethics. These efforts are expected to cultivate scalable, trusted AI solutions developed in the UAE for both local and international markets.
Marisa Mastroianni expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am excited by the launch of this AI Centre of Excellence, a partnership that strengthens regional innovation and gives our students hands-on opportunities with world-class research, technology, and industry.” She emphasized the importance of equipping students to lead the future of AI.
Demetrio Russo, Co-Founder and CEO of AqlanX, remarked, “This Centre marks a pivotal moment for the region’s AI future, accelerating innovation by developing home-grown talent, local IP, and deployable solutions that are born in the UAE and built for global scale.” He highlighted how this initiative supports strategic autonomy through AI development.
The launch of the Centre signifies a milestone in the UAE’s transformation from being a consumer of technology to becoming a significant contributor to global tech advancements. It is framed as part of a broader regional effort to establish trusted alternatives to existing global technology platforms, emphasizing principles of sovereignty, inclusivity, and national value.
