Technology & Innovation

In a groundbreaking development, Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of Aion Sentia, the world’s first AI cognitive city, set for completion by 2027. This innovative project, developed under a $2.5 billion Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, is the result of a strategic partnership between Bold Technologies, a subsidiary of Bold Holding in Abu Dhabi, and Italian AI manufacturer My Aion Inc.

Aion Sentia aims to revolutionize urban living through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence and cognitive technologies across all sectors of the city. Designed to learn and evolve with its residents, the city will provide predictive services, automated infrastructure management, and real-time energy optimisation.

One of the core features of the project is MAIA, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered mobile application that acts as a central hub for all city services. MAIA’s capabilities extend far beyond traditional apps, offering real-time decision-making based on user data through its Personal Profile Graph. It will facilitate seamless interaction with public and private services, allowing residents to manage tasks such as transport scheduling, smart home functions, healthcare support, and more—all through a single interface.

Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., emphasized the cognitive nature of Aion Sentia, describing MAIA as an AI assistant that not only responds to commands but anticipates user needs and preferences. “This city will not just be smart; it will be cognitive—learning and evolving with its residents,” Marinelli said. He added that Abu Dhabi’s regulatory support, robust cybersecurity framework, and digital infrastructure made it the ideal launch site for the pioneering city.

The platform is engineered to manage critical sectors including mobility, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services, ensuring tailored user experiences and efficient resource management. MAIA’s design allows it to analyse real-time data to generate personalized recommendations—for example, helping users reduce their energy consumption without switching between multiple apps.

Thani Al Thani Al Falasi, CEO of Bold Technologies, highlighted the initiative’s long-term impact on the UAE’s digital future. “This initiative will support job creation for UAE nationals, foster local innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the national AI ecosystem,” he stated. Plans also include collaborations with UAE universities to offer AI training and upskilling programmes, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce.

Aion Sentia is expected to launch in the next 18 months, debuting in Abu Dhabi before expanding to other global cities across Europe and North America. The ambition is not just to build smart infrastructure but to create an orchestrated, personalized urban experience that redefines how people interact with their environment.

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