The UAE Cybersecurity Council has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with e& UAE, the telecommunications division of the global technology group e&, to establish the Al Ain Innovation Center.
This strategic partnership, announced at GISEC Global 2025, represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s digital evolution, reinforcing its status as a global hub for innovation, digital transformation, and a knowledge-based economy.
The Al Ain Innovation Center will act as a collaborative platform for applied research, talent development, and startup support across critical technology domains, including AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and intelligent device development.
It aims to empower technology companies, research and academic institutions, and both public and private sector organisations to co-create solutions within a connected innovation ecosystem that aligns with the UAE’s national objectives.
Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, stated, “The launch of the Al Ain Innovation Center marks a significant milestone in advancing the UAE’s global leadership in cutting-edge technologies and cybersecurity.”
Enabling emerging technologies
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, chief executive officer of e& UAE, added, “The launch of Al Ain Innovation Center will be a key enabler of the UAE’s vision to become a global beacon for innovation and emerging technologies.”
The center’s mission is to bring together AI engineers, cybersecurity professionals, autonomous systems experts, and device innovators under one roof.
Additionally, it will serve as a key platform for national educational initiatives, collaborating with universities and public institutions to build talent pipelines and deliver future-ready curricula that address the evolving needs of industry.
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Commitment to a tech-driven economy
The launch of the Al Ain Innovation Center highlights the shared commitment of the UAE Cybersecurity Council and e& UAE to fostering a technology-driven economy by equipping diverse segments of society with access to resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.
Both new and existing startups will benefit from dedicated incubation tracks, receiving support in areas such as idea validation, business model development, funding access, and go-to-market strategies.
The center also aligns with the UAE’s broader innovation and digital economy strategies, including the UAE Centennial 2071 and the National Innovation Strategy.
The Al Ain Innovation Center further embodies a bold vision to establish a global center of excellence for innovation and entrepreneurship, where transformative ideas are actualized to support future-ready business models.
