The center was established under the Faculty of Engineering and Computing with support from the Telecommunications Digital Government Regulatory Authority through the ICT Fund.
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah has opened 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 to the development of advanced technologies. The center was established under the Faculty of Engineering and Computing with support from the Telecommunications Digital Government Regulatory Authority through the ICT Fund.
ATAIC is designed as a catalyst for regional transformation, fostering applied research, industry collaboration, and talent development in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. More than just a research facility, the center aims to bridge academic theory and industry demands, ensuring that graduates are not only job-ready, but equipped with the right skills for an era defined by digital transformation, agility and adaptability.
AURAK Chairman Bassam Alameddine, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, emphasized that ATAIC is “much more than a research facility, it is a strategic engine designed to drive the next chapter of our region’s economic and intellectual story.” Highlighting the transformative potential of AI, he said the center is “future-proofing” its graduates by linking academic knowledge with real-world market demands. Professor Alameddine also expressed his gratitude to the TDRA ICT Fund, which played a pivotal role in the establishment of the center, reflecting the broader national commitment to promote advanced technology research and education.
Khouloud Salameh, associate dean of the School of Engineering and Computing and director of ATAIC, outlined the center’s capabilities and described it as a cutting-edge innovation ecosystem. Equipped with high-performance computing clusters, AI workstations, robotics kits, and IoT devices, ATAIC serves as a collaborative platform for students, faculty, and industry partners to co-develop applied solutions in machine learning, smart systems, and digital transformation.
The center’s core activities include applied research, industry-led projects and business incubation. Student projects featured during the launch demonstrated practical AI applications developed in collaboration with industry collaborators. The launch ceremony was attended by representatives from TDRA, Ras Al Khaimah Statistics, Julfa, Dell, Microsoft, AWS, Huawei, and IBM, highlighting AURAK’s commitment to co-creation between academia and industry.
The establishment of ATAIC is in line with the UAE National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence 2031 and will strengthen AURAK’s role in positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a new hub for smart systems, data science and advanced digital innovation, supporting the broader national vision for technology growth and talent development.
