AURAK Launches Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center to Drive Regional Innovation
The center was established under the School of Engineering and Computing, with support from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority through its ICT Fund.
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah has inaugurated the Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center (ATAIC), marking a strategic milestone in the university’s transformation from a consumer of innovation to a contributor in the development of advanced technologies. The center was established under the School of Engineering and Computing, with support from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority through its ICT Fund.
ATAIC is designed as a catalyst for regional transformation, promoting applied research, industry collaboration, and talent development in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. More than a research facility, the center aims to bridge academic theory with industry demands, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but equipped with skills for an era defined by digital transformation, agility, and adaptability.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bassam Alameddine, President of AURAK, emphasized that ATAIC is “much more than a research facility; it is a strategic engine designed to power the next chapter of our region’s economic and intellectual story.” He highlighted the transformative potential of AI, stating that the center ensures graduates are “future-proof” by connecting academic knowledge with real-world market demands. Professor Alameddine also expressed gratitude to the TDRA ICT Fund for its pivotal role in establishing the center, reflecting a broader national commitment to advancing research and education in advanced technologies.
Khouloud Salameh, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing and Director of ATAIC, outlined the center’s capabilities, describing it as a state-of-the-art innovation ecosystem. Equipped with high-performance computing clusters, AI workstations, robotics kits, and IoT devices, ATAIC serves as a collaborative platform where students, faculty, and industry partners co-develop applied solutions in machine learning, smart systems, and digital transformation.
The center’s core activities include applied research, industry-driven projects, and business incubation. Student projects showcased during the launch demonstrated practical AI applications developed in partnership with industry collaborators. The inauguration was attended by representatives from TDRA, Ras Al Khaimah Statistics, Julphar, Dell, Microsoft, AWS, Huawei, and IBM, highlighting AURAK’s commitment to co-creation between academia and industry.
The establishment of ATAIC aligns with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and reinforces AURAK’s role in positioning Ras Al Khaimah as an emerging hub for smart systems, data science, and advanced digital innovation, supporting the broader national vision for technological growth and talent development.
