UAE launches first AI Centre of Excellence to boost local talent

SYDNEY, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lakeba Group, the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), DoxAI, and AqlanX have launched the Gulf region's first AI Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi, aiming to advance sovereign artificial intelligence capability in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Centre will operate under the University of Wollongong's Australian leadership, headed by Global Group CEO Marisa Mastroianni, and will leverage Australian-developed intellectual property and research frameworks.

The hub is designed to foster applied research, workforce development, and public-private collaboration within the UAE's growing technology sector.

Regional cooperation

This new initiative has emerged following the reaffirmation of UAE-Australia bilateral ties.

During Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's September visit to the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described a shared commitment between the two countries to sectors such as technology, education, investment, and sustainability.

The collaboration between Lakeba and its business ventures-long-time partners of Microsoft and Intel-underpins the project. According to the announcement, Lakeba is currently the only Australian company within the UAE's NextGen FDI Consortium, signifying the increasing role of Australian technology within the region.

National vision

The Centre was established under the NextGen FDI initiative led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade. The initiative seeks to encourage the private sector's participation in shaping the nation's digital transformation by developing local talent, enhancing 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, attracting the best companies and talents to build their businesses here. The AI Centre of Excellence will serve as a hub for fostering future generations of AI talent and support the UAE's efforts in developing the economy and technologies of the future," said HE Dr. Al Zeyoudi.

The Centre of Excellence is intended to facilitate the UAE's strategy to build sovereign AI assets, encompassing everything from data infrastructure and large language models to applications developed for regional needs. The core objective is to nurture homegrown AI capabilities, from research and development to the commercialisation of intellectual property aligned with local priorities.

Developing local talent and IP

The Centre aims to support local R&D, create talent pipelines, nurture startups, and drive the commercialisation of products rooted in the UAE's culture and economic aspirations.

The focus includes the development of Arabic language models, automation platforms in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and education, and the creation of systems aligned with national objectives.

It will also serve as the official R&D headquarters for AqlanX, complementing the country's National AI Strategy 2031 and broader digital economy plans.

Academic and business integration

Partnership roles have been clearly delineated: UOWD delivers academic and research leadership, Lakeba Group brings global venture-building experience and key technology partnerships, DoxAI provides automation tools and engineering expertise, and AqlanX directs commercialisation and infrastructure integration. The collaboration structure is intended to cover the spectrum from research through to commercial product 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," said Giuseppe Porcelli, CEO of Lakeba Group.

The Centre's pillars include AI talent incubation via UOWD student and faculty involvement, sovereign AI R&D, commercialisation through joint ventures, and contributions to responsible AI policy and cyber-ethics. These initiatives are expected to help develop scalable, trusted AI solutions born within the UAE for both domestic and international markets.

Marisa Mastroianni, Global Group CEO at University of Wollongong, commented on the significance of the partnership.

"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, equipping them to lead the future of AI."

Demetrio Russo, Co-Founder and CEO of AqlanX, said, "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. This is how nations achieve strategic autonomy through AI."

Commenting on the Centre's place within the UAE's strategy, Marisa Mastroianni, Group CEO and Managing Director of UOW Global Enterprises, said, "The AI Centre of Excellence will strengthen the UAE innovation ecosystem. It will be an engine of opportunity for students, researchers, and industries, and will create enduring value for the nation and its people."

Bilateral benefits

The Centre's launch is described by its organisers as a milestone in the UAE's progression from technology consumer to global technology contributor.

The project enhances UAE-Australia cooperation and is framed as part of a regional effort to build trusted alternatives to global technology platforms, emphasising sovereignty, inclusivity, and national value.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

UAE launches first AI Centre of Excellence to boost local talent

HONG KONG, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As we move into 2026, Metis Global (Cook Islands) Limited ("Metis CI"), a subsidiary of Metis Global Group, has officially launched its brand-new regular savings trust plan, the "Starry Pro Plan." The plan integrates regular contributions, international trust protection, and diversified asset allocation arrangements to deliver an integrated solution for clients with medium- to long-term financial planning needs, balancing asset accumulation, structural stability, and legacy planning.

Amid rising market volatility and the increasing prevalence of cross-border allocation, clients are placing greater emphasis on the robustness of legal arrangements when planning for savings, education, or retirement objectives. Metis CI notes that the Starry Pro Plan is designed to help clients establish a forward-looking and disciplined financial structure with an accessible entry threshold.

20-Year Regular Contribution Design to Establish a Stable Financial Rhythm

The Starry Pro Plan adopts a 20-year regular savings trust structure with a standard Contribution Payment Term ("CPT"). Through consistent contributions, clients can gradually accumulate assets and establish a stable rhythm for financial planning under various market conditions. The plan is available for individual or joint applications of up to two persons and primarily targeting medium- to long-term financial goals.

Diverse Underlying Asset Design Supporting Different Financial Orientations

With respect to portfolio selection, the Starry Pro Plan provides two underlying asset options, allowing clients to make choices based on their personal circumstances and overall planning considerations at the point of application.

One option tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index, representing a widely recognised benchmark of the U.S. equity market across multiple sectors and reflecting the long-term development of mature capital markets. The other is selected by clients from portfolios managed by third-party professional institutions, with allocations and adjustments made according to established investment strategies and market conditions.

Both approaches adopt a regular allocation mechanism to support the gradual accumulation of portfolio value across different market cycles.

International Trust Framework Strengthening Asset Protection and Legacy Arrangements

Metis CI serves as the trustee of the "Starry Pro Plan." Metis CI is a licensed trust company legally registered in the Cook Islands under the Trustee Companies Act 2014 and is regulated by the Cook Islands Financial Supervisory Commission ("FSC"). The Cook Islands is renowned for its mature common law system and the International Trusts Act 1984, and has long been regarded as an international jurisdiction with a robust legal foundation for trusts.

Under the trust structure, clients can appoint beneficiaries through a Letter of Wishes, significantly simplifying the asset transfer process. Assets are held under the independent custody of DBS Bank in Singapore and are fully segregated from the assets of Metis CI, thereby strengthening asset security.

Flexible Mechanisms Designed for Different Life Stages

Recognising that financial circumstances may change during a long-term contribution period, the "Starry Pro Plan" features several flexible options, including a Contribution Holiday, adjustments to contribution amounts, and a partial withdrawal mechanism. Throughout the CPT, clients can utilise up to 24 months of Contribution Holiday in total. Clients may also reduce the regular contribution amount or apply for partial withdrawals after the Initial Contribution Period, ensuring that their planning can adapt flexibly to changing life circumstances.

A Structure-Oriented Financial Tool

Metis CI states that the "Starry Pro Plan" emphasises structural design and medium- to long-term financial thinking. Through a defined contribution framework, a robust trust legal structure, and independent custody arrangements, the plan supports clients in building a more focused and resilient financial blueprint amid ongoing market uncertainty.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Metis "Starry Pro": Achieving Greater Wealth Stability in a Changing Landscape.