Dubai, UAE – October 9, 2025 – In a significant move that underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), the nation has inaugurated its first Centre of Excellence for AI. This pioneering initiative is a strategic collaboration between Sydney-based Lakeba Group, the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), DoxAI, and AqlanX. The Centre aims to foster innovation, nurture local talent, and ensure the UAE’s digital sovereignty in the AI domain.
A Strategic Collaboration for AI Advancement
The Center of Excellence is established under the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative, led by His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade. This initiative is designed to attract high-growth companies and technologies that accelerate economic diversification and digital transformation. The Center will serve as a hub for research, applied innovation, and industry collaboration, focusing on developing AI solutions tailored to the UAE’s cultural and economic priorities.
Core Pillars of the Center
The Centre’s operations are structured around four key pillars:
AI Talent Incubation: Integrating UOWD students and faculty into AqlanX’s commercial ecosystem, providing clear pathways for career development in AI.
Sovereign AI R&D: Developing Arabic large language models (LLMs), automation tools, and edge intelligence solutions to address national needs.
IP Commercialization: Launching new ventures from lab to market, ensuring that innovations are rapidly deployed to benefit the economy.
Policy & Thought Leadership: Shaping best practices in responsible AI and cyber-ethics, contributing to global discussions on AI governance.
AqlanX will establish its official R&D headquarters within the Center, aligning with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and Digital Economy Vision. Lakeba Group will contribute its venture-building expertise and connections with major technology companies, while DoxAI will bring automation and engineering capabilities. UOWD will play a central role in academic research and talent development.
Vision for the Future
The establishment of the Center is a testament to the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to AI. By focusing on developing homegrown capabilities and fostering a collaborative ecosystem, the Center aims to position the UAE as a global hub for AI innovation. This initiative reflects the nation’s ambition to lead in technology sovereignty and to create AI solutions that are not only globally competitive but also culturally resonant.
The official launch event is scheduled for November 17, 2025, and is expected to attract senior government officials, academia, and international technology leaders.
For more information, please visit the official announcement: UAE Launches First AI Centre of Excellence.
