The UAE Cybersecurity Council has partnered with e& UAE, the telecoms arm of global tech group e&, to launch the Al Ain Innovation Centre, a new collaborative platform for applied research, talent development, and startup enablement.
The Al Ain Innovation Centre will serve as a collaborative platform across critical technology domains, including AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and intelligent device development.
Announced at GISEC Global 2025, this strategic partnership will look to empower technology companies, research and academic institutions, and public and private sector organisations to co-create solutions within a connected innovation ecosystem aligned with the UAE’s national goals.
“The launch of the Al Ain Innovation Centre marks a significant milestone in advancing the UAE’s global leadership in cutting-edge technologies and cybersecurity,” said Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council. “In partnership with e& UAE, this visionary initiative establishes a vital platform for cultivating national talent and building a resilient digital economy. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and skills development across government, industry, and academia, the Centre will empower entrepreneurs and professionals alike.”
The Centre will bring AI engineers, cybersecurity professionals, autonomous systems experts, and device innovators under one roof. It will offer integrated support programmes in partnership with academia and government, enabling participants to gain advanced technical skills, access real-world research environments, and co-develop commercially viable solutions.
Backing entrepreneurship and education
The Al Ain Innovation Centre will also serve as a key platform for national educational initiatives, working with universities and public institutions to build talent pipelines and deliver a future-ready curriculum that addresses the evolving needs of industry.
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, also added: “The launch of Al Ain Innovation Centre will be a key enabler of the UAE’s vision to become a global beacon for innovation and emerging technologies. It will provide a collaborative space where bold ideas are matched with the right resources to turn them into impactful solutions that shape society and drive economic growth. We’re proud to partner with the UAE Cybersecurity Council in accelerating innovation and providing a digital incubator for two of our nation’s fundamental pillars for a sustainable knowledge economy: entrepreneurship and education.”
The Centre’s launch underscores the shared commitment of the UAE Cybersecurity Council and e& UAE to foster a technology-driven economy by equipping diverse segments of society with access to resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.
New and existing startups alike will benefit from dedicated incubation tracks, receiving support in areas such as idea validation, business model development, funding access, and go-to-market strategy.
The Centre also aligns with the UAE’s broader innovation and digital economy strategies, including the UAE Centennial 2071 and the National Innovation Strategy. By integrating infrastructure, education, and emerging technologies, the Al Ain Innovation Centre will help position the UAE as a global leader in applied innovation.
Ultimately, the Al Ain Innovation Centre hopes to establish a global Centre of Excellence for innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing transformative ideas to life to support future-ready business models, improve quality of life, and reinforce the UAE’s status as a leading technology hub in the region and the world.
