Giving impetus to the UAE's position as a global hub for smart technology, its capital, Abu Dhabi, has been chosen as the ideal destination to develop the AION SENTIA Cognitive City, a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to manage and optimize complex urban systems.
BOLD Technologies, a subsidiary of BOLD Holding, and My Aion Inc. have partnered to develop the strategic initiative.
Structured under a USD 2.5 billion build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, the project will leverage MAIA, My Aion Inc.’s proprietary AI core engine, to integrate and support key sectors such as mobility, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services. Currently under active development, the platform aims to deliver scalable, smart infrastructure solutions globally, beginning with deployment in the UAE.
Attendees included representatives from leading institutions and global enterprises such as Sequoia Capital, ADNOC, G42, Leonardo, Amazon, TikTok, Fincantieri, Stellantis, the Mexican Ambassador, the Italian Embassy in the UAE, Abu Dhabi Capital Group, US Capital Group, AV Investor S.A., Horizon Capital, and Netmore, as well as strategic technology players including negg®, Sitep Italia, Techera Watergy, and Motuse.
Representative of the private office of Bold Holding Chairman were also in attendance, along with senior representatives from Abu Dhabi's government and public institutions, further underscoring the initiative’s strategic alignment with national innovation and development agendas.
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Abu Dhabi has been selected as the global headquarters for the initiative due to its progressive regulatory environment, robust cybersecurity standards, and well-established digital ecosystem. The move aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation strategy and positions the platform for international adoption.
AION SENTIA will leverage AI to offer predictive services, automate infrastructure management, and ensure real-time energy optimization. "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.
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 added, highlighting the vision to deploy AION SENTIA’s technology in major cities across Europe, the U.S., and beyond.
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