Abu Dhabi is set to launch the world’s first AI cognitive city, Aion Sentia, in a pioneering move that aims to redefine urban living through advanced artificial intelligence and cognitive technology. Scheduled for completion by 2027, the project is part of the emirate's strategy to integrate AI across all sectors, transforming how residents live, work, and interact with their surroundings.

Aion Sentia would leverage AI to offer predictive services, automated infrastructure management, and real-time energy optimisation. "This city will not just be smart; it will be cognitive — learning and evolving with its residents," said Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion Inc., the Italian developer of the project. 

The cognitive city platform will also introduce MAIA, a first-of-its-kind AI-driven mobile application designed to connect residents directly with city services. From automated public transport scheduling to smart home integration and AI-powered healthcare support, MAIA aims to bring a seamless, tech-driven lifestyle to the fingertips of every citizen.

The landmark AI initiative follows a strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi’s Bold Technologies, a subsidiary of Bold Holding, and the Italian AI manufacturer My Aion Inc. The project is structured under a $2.5 billion Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.

Aion Sentia aims to consolidate public and private services into a single, intuitive platform powered by MAIA. During a media roundtable, Marinelli described the MAIA app as more than just a generative AI; it is a cognitive framework capable of real-time decision-making based on a user’s data. Unlike traditional applications that rely on fragmented data, MAIA's Personal Profile Graph learns from user interactions, understanding preferences, habits, and even personal relationships.

"We want to go to the next level," Marinelli said. "Imagine an AI that knows you so well, it can recommend the perfect place for your anniversary dinner and book it for you without you lifting a finger. That’s the power of MAIA, and it’s just one example of how Aion Sentia will redefine convenience."

Aion Sentia's cognitive framework is designed to manage key sectors such as mobility, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services. The platform's flexibility, powered by MAIA’s advanced reasoning and graph-based technology, enables it to adapt to users' needs instantly. For example, a user could ask MAIA to analyse their energy consumption for the month and receive real-time, personalised recommendations to reduce costs, without navigating separate apps or websites.

Set to launch in 18 months, Aion Sentia will debut in Abu Dhabi before expanding globally. Marinelli explained that Abu Dhabi’s regulatory environment, robust cybersecurity framework, and advanced digital ecosystem made it the ideal base for the initiative. "Here, people are not just open to innovation; they embrace it," he noted, adding that Abu Dhabi’s tech-driven infrastructure enables seamless integration of AI into everyday life.

Unlike typical smart city applications, Aion Sentia is built to personalise urban living experiences. MAIA acts as an orchestrator, linking users to public services, private enterprises, and even personal devices through a single interface. Whether it’s booking a table for dinner, monitoring energy consumption, or even alerting authorities to emergencies based on real-time sensor data, MAIA handles it all conversationally—like speaking with a highly informed personal assistant.

While Abu Dhabi will serve as the initial hub, plans for global expansion are already in motion. "Born in Abu Dhabi, exported to the world," Marinelli said, highlighting the vision to deploy Aion Sentia’s technology in major cities across Europe, the US, and beyond. The ambition is not just to connect urban infrastructure but to orchestrate it intelligently, providing a seamless, personalised experience for every resident.

"This initiative will support job creation for UAE nationals, foster local innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the national AI ecosystem," said Thani Al Thani Al Falasi, CEO of Bold Technologies. "We’re excited to work alongside My Aion Inc. to bring this ambitious vision to life."

The partnership also includes plans to collaborate with UAE universities to launch training and upskilling programmes, further supporting the development of the national workforce in AI and digital technologies.