Abu Dhabi Unveils $2.5B Aion Sentia: The World's First AI-Powered City

While many cities have adopted smart technologies to enhance efficiency, Aion Sentia aspires to be cognitive—a city that not only responds to residents' needs but anticipates them. At the heart of this initiative is MAIA, an advanced AI engine developed by Italian firm My Aion, designed to manage complex urban systems including mobility, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services. MAIA's capabilities extend to understanding user preferences, enabling it to, for example, recommend and book a restaurant for a special occasion without user intervention.

The development of Aion Sentia is a collaborative effort between Abu Dhabi-based Bold Technologies, a subsidiary of Bold Holding, and My Aion Inc. The project is structured under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, where private entities construct and manage the infrastructure before transferring ownership to the government after a set period . This approach not only facilitates investment recovery but also ensures that the city benefits from private sector innovation and efficiency.

Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., stated, "Relocating our global operations to Abu Dhabi marks a new chapter for our team. The UAE offers the infrastructure and institutional support needed to scale responsibly and strategically."

MAIA serves as the central interface for residents, connecting them to a wide array of city services. From scheduling public transport and controlling smart home systems to accessing healthcare support, MAIA is designed to provide a fully integrated digital lifestyle. Its Personal Profile Graph learns from user interactions to offer personalized recommendations and services, effectively acting as an intelligent personal assistant.

Beyond technological advancements, Aion Sentia is expected to have significant economic and social implications. The project aims to create job opportunities for UAE nationals, foster local innovation, and contribute to the national AI ecosystem. Thani Al Thani Al Falasi, CEO of Bold Technologies, emphasized that the initiative will support job creation and bolster the UAE's position as a leader in AI integration.

While Aion Sentia will debut in Abu Dhabi, plans are already underway for global expansion. Cities in Europe and the United States are being considered for future developments, with the goal of exporting this model of AI-integrated urban living worldwide.

Aion Sentia represents a bold step toward the future of urban living, where cities are not just inhabited but are active participants in residents' lives. By integrating AI at every level, Abu Dhabi is setting a new standard for how cities can operate, interact, and evolve with their inhabitants.

As the world watches this pioneering project unfold, Aion Sentia may well become the blueprint for the cities of tomorrow.