Abu Dhabi has launched Hub71+ AI, a dedicated ecosystem designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The initiative aims to provide startups with the infrastructure and resources necessary to advance AI innovation across sectors, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s broader economic goals.
Key partners and offerings
Core42 and AI71 will join as anchor partners of Hub71+ AI. Core42 will provide startups with access to cloud credits and advanced digital infrastructure, including deployments of training and inference capacity in the UAE, USA and other regions. Its Sovereign Public Cloud, leveraging Microsoft Azure, will support startups working in regulated industries and the public sector. Core42 will also connect startups to G42’s broader ecosystem, including Presight, M42, AIQ, CPX, and Space42.
AI71 will provide compute power credits through its API Hub, granting pay-as-you-go access to the Falcon series of large language models and other tools. The company will also offer technical support from its team of AI researchers to assist startups in scaling their projects.
Hub71+ AI is further backed by strategic partners, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google for Startups, Nvidia, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 42 Abu Dhabi. These partnerships will provide startups with access to technology infrastructure, industry expertise and research and development opportunities.
AI sector growth in Abu Dhabi
Between 2021 and 2023, Abu Dhabi saw a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 67% in AI companies. In the first half of 2024, an average of one AI company was established every two days. Hub71+ AI aims to accelerate this growth by offering startups technical infrastructure, strategic market entry pathways, and access to a network of investors and corporate partners.
“AI is transforming industries and shaping the future of our world,” said Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71. “Hub71+ AI is committed to providing startups with access to resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with global technology leaders to drive AI innovation from Abu Dhabi.”
Dr. Mahir Nayfeh, Chief Product Officer at AI71, said, “AI71 aims to make AI tools widely accessible. Our API Hub allows developers to use Falcon, one of the globally ranked generative AI models, and other tools on a pay-as-you-go basis. This partnership with Hub71+ AI will help empower AI startups and developers worldwide.”
Talal M. Al Kaissi, EVP of Core42, added, “Core42 is dedicated to enabling startups to harness AI’s potential through specialized digital infrastructure and mentorship. Partnering with Hub71+ AI strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for AI.”
Applications
Startups can apply to join Hub71+ AI and access its infrastructure, cloud credits, and global partnerships. The initiative is expected to further Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a leading global AI hub, with opportunities for startups to test technologies, scale their innovations, and expand internationally.
