Latest news with #AionSentia
Time Out Abu Dhabi
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is building the world's first AI city and it's going to be your new best friend
You've heard of smart cities. Now meet the genius one. Abu Dhabi is about to launch Aion Sentia, the world's first cognitive AI city and it's being designed to literally think for you. Set for completion in 2027, this futuristic hub is more than just high-speed WiFi and electric buses. It's a place where the walls, streets and systems will learn from you, anticipate your needs and adapt in real-time. Your daily latte? Already ordered. Forgot your anniversary? Not only will the city remember it – it'll book the restaurant, too. At the heart of it all is MAIA,a first-of-its-kind AI app that connects you with everything – public transport, healthcare, utilities, even dinner reservations – all while learning your quirks, preferences and routines. Quirky? Maybe. Convenient? Extremely. Aion Sentia is the brainchild of My Aion Inc., an Italian AI firm teaming up with Bold Technologies, part of Bold Holding. The whole thing is backed by a whopping Dhs9 billion BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) agreement, meaning it's not just a cool concept – it's actually happening. But what makes this different from other 'smart city' promises? Instead of bouncing between disconnected apps, Aion Sentia works like one seamless digital brain. Want to reduce your energy bill? Ask MAIA. Need a doctor's appointment? She's on it. Emergency in your building? MAIA will alert the right authorities – without you even needing to dial. This isn't just a boost for convenience – it's a bold leap for the UAE's AI ambitions. The project will create jobs, fuel homegrown tech innovation and even partner with local universities to train the next generation of digital minds. Where will it land first? Naturally, in Abu Dhabi – where innovation is already woven into the city's DNA. But the goal is global expansion. Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc. said: 'This city will not just be smart; it will be cognitive — learning and evolving with its residents.' More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
World's first AI city in Abu Dhabi by 2027: Aion Sentia to have smart homes, automated transport
Abu Dhabi is set to launch the world's first AI cognitive city, Aion Sentia, in a pioneering move that aims to redefine urban living through advanced artificial intelligence and cognitive technology. Scheduled for completion by 2027, the project is part of the emirate's strategy to integrate AI across all sectors, transforming how residents live, work, and interact with their surroundings. Aion Sentia would leverage AI to offer predictive services, automated infrastructure management, and real-time energy optimisation. "This city will not just be smart; it will be cognitive — learning and evolving with its residents," said Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., the Italian developer of the project. The cognitive city platform will also introduce MAIA, a first-of-its-kind AI-driven mobile application designed to connect residents directly with city services. From automated public transport scheduling to smart home integration and AI-powered healthcare support, MAIA aims to bring a seamless, tech-driven lifestyle to the fingertips of every citizen. The landmark AI initiative follows a strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi's Bold Technologies, a subsidiary of Bold Holding, and the Italian AI manufacturer My Aion Inc. The project is structured under a $2.5 billion Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. One platform for every need Aion Sentia aims to consolidate public and private services into a single, intuitive platform powered by MAIA. During a media roundtable, Marinelli described the MAIA app as more than just a generative AI; it is a cognitive framework capable of real-time decision-making based on a user's data. Unlike traditional applications that rely on fragmented data, MAIA's Personal Profile Graph learns from user interactions, understanding preferences, habits, and even personal relationships. "We want to go to the next level," Marinelli said. "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, and it's just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience." Aion Sentia's cognitive framework is designed to manage key sectors such as mobility, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services. The platform's flexibility, powered by MAIA's advanced reasoning and graph-based technology, enables it to adapt to users' needs instantly. For example, a user could ask MAIA to analyse their energy consumption for the month and receive real-time, personalised recommendations to reduce costs, without navigating separate apps or websites. Set to launch in 18 months, Aion Sentia will debut in Abu Dhabi before expanding globally. Marinelli explained that Abu Dhabi's regulatory environment, robust cybersecurity framework, and advanced digital ecosystem made it the ideal base for the initiative. "Here, people are not just open to innovation; they embrace it," he noted, adding that Abu Dhabi's tech-driven infrastructure enables seamless integration of AI into everyday life. Unlike typical smart city applications, Aion Sentia is built to personalise urban living experiences. MAIA acts as an orchestrator, linking users to public services, private enterprises, and even personal devices through a single interface. Whether it's booking a table for dinner, monitoring energy consumption, or even alerting authorities to emergencies based on real-time sensor data, MAIA handles it all conversationally—like speaking with a highly informed personal assistant. While Abu Dhabi will serve as the initial hub, plans for global expansion are already in motion. "Born in Abu Dhabi, exported to the world," Marinelli said, highlighting the vision to deploy Aion Sentia's technology in major cities across Europe, the US, and beyond. The ambition is not just to connect urban infrastructure but to orchestrate it intelligently, providing a seamless, personalised experience for every resident. "This initiative will support job creation for UAE nationals, foster local innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the national AI ecosystem," said Thani Al Thani Al Falasi, CEO of Bold Technologies. "We're excited to work alongside My Aion Inc. to bring this ambitious vision to life." The partnership also includes plans to collaborate with UAE universities to launch training and upskilling programmes, further supporting the development of the national workforce in AI and digital technologies.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
AI-Run City Set for Launch
The United Arab Emirates is planning to power all public and private services in the city of Abu Dhabi through a single artificial intelligence platform by 2027 with a $2.5 billion investment, according to the Khaleej Times. The project will be delivered by Italy's Synapsia and the UAE's Bold Technologies. Newsweek has contacted the UAE government and Bold Technologies' parent company Bold Holding for comment. An email to the address on Synapsia's website bounced back. The new project underscores Gulf ambitions to take a lead in AI innovation the week after it was also made central to a visit to the region by U.S. President Donald Trump. While AI is increasingly at the heart of the global U.S.-China competition of influence, Gulf countries also see it not only as a way to make themselves more effective through its practical application, but also as a way to break new ground as they look to a future beyond energy exports. Aion Sentia, the project's given name, aims to consolidate public and private services onto a single platform, from automated public transport to the integration of smart homes and AI-powered support for healthcare, according to the Khaleej Times. The UAE has publicly stated its ambitions to lead in AI, and its National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has actively courted foreign-including U.S.-investment for AI infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia is also making similar calls and planning to use AI‐managed systems in its flagship Neom city. During his Middle East tour last week, Trump approved a major deal with the UAE to construct the world's largest artificial intelligence campus outside the U.S., removing previous limits that had barred the Gulf state from accessing advanced American chips amid fears they might end up in China. In March 2025, Synapsia and Bold Technologies signed a UAE-backed deal to deploy their Maia engine to coordinate traffic, public lighting, transportation, and security across urban infrastructure for more efficiency and energy consumption reduction, Synapsia said in a statement. Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., as quoted by the Khaleej Times: "We want to go to the next level. 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, and it's just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience." Synapsia's website in March 2025: "The agreement includes a significant investment in the development of Cognitive Cities, a new paradigm that goes beyond the concept of smart cities, which introduces fully autonomous urban management based on generative AI and predictive optimization." The UAE said it aims to expand Aion Sentia globally after piloting in Abu Dhabi, but did not give further details of exactly where. Related Articles China Starts Building First Giant Supercomputer Network in SpaceNewsweek's Next Virtual Event Aims to Build Health Care's AI PlaybookTrump Backs Massive Middle East AI Hub to Counter ChinaGrok Saw 'Unauthorized Modification' Before Slew of 'White Genocide' Posts 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
19-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
AI-Run City Set for Launch
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United Arab Emirates is planning to power all public and private services in the city of Abu Dhabi through a single artificial intelligence platform by 2027 with a $2.5 billion investment, according to the Khaleej Times. The project will be delivered by Italy's Synapsia and the UAE's Bold Technologies. Newsweek has contacted the UAE government and Bold Technologies' parent company Bold Holding for comment. An email to the address on Synapsia's website bounced back. Why It Matters The new project underscores Gulf ambitions to take a lead in AI innovation the week after it was also made central to a visit to the region by U.S. President Donald Trump. While AI is increasingly at the heart of the global U.S.-China competition of influence, Gulf countries also see it not only as a way to make themselves more effective through its practical application, but also as a way to break new ground as they look to a future beyond energy exports. Summit G7 at Borgo Egnaza, Italy: Working session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates' President Mohammed bin Zayed. Summit G7 at Borgo Egnaza, Italy: Working session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates' President Mohammed bin Zayed. Aleksy Witwicki/Sipa USA/AP Images What To Know Aion Sentia, the project's given name, aims to consolidate public and private services onto a single platform, from automated public transport to the integration of smart homes and AI-powered support for healthcare, according to the Khaleej Times. The UAE has publicly stated its ambitions to lead in AI, and its National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has actively courted foreign—including U.S.—investment for AI infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia is also making similar calls and planning to use AI‐managed systems in its flagship Neom city. During his Middle East tour last week, Trump approved a major deal with the UAE to construct the world's largest artificial intelligence campus outside the U.S., removing previous limits that had barred the Gulf state from accessing advanced American chips amid fears they might end up in China. In March 2025, Synapsia and Bold Technologies signed a UAE-backed deal to deploy their Maia engine to coordinate traffic, public lighting, transportation, and security across urban infrastructure for more efficiency and energy consumption reduction, Synapsia said in a statement. What People Are Saying Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., as quoted by the Khaleej Times: "We want to go to the next level. 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, and it's just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience." Synapsia's website in March 2025: "The agreement includes a significant investment in the development of Cognitive Cities, a new paradigm that goes beyond the concept of smart cities, which introduces fully autonomous urban management based on generative AI and predictive optimization." What Happens Next The UAE said it aims to expand Aion Sentia globally after piloting in Abu Dhabi, but did not give further details of exactly where.
