UAE Technology Innovation Institute Establishes Lab at Mila

The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has announced the opening of a new corporate research lab at Mila, Montreal’s prominent artificial intelligence (AI) research centre, following a recent partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance foundational discoveries and strengthen the global research ecosystem.

The agreement was established during a visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney to the UAE last week. The partnership allows TII researchers to create a presence in Canada, and both organizations are already exploring further collaborative expansions in applied AI research and quantum technologies. According to TII CEO Najwa Aaraj, “Working this closely with Mila’s scientists will accelerate foundational discoveries and strengthen the global research ecosystem.”

Strengthening International Ties

Mila President and CEO Valérie Pisano emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that it builds on the growing momentum between Canada and the UAE. She noted that this collaboration positions both countries for “breakthroughs with global impact.”

The agreement follows a Canadian delegation’s visit to the UAE last month, aimed at fostering practical partnerships to deepen technology, investment, and research ties between the two nations. Chris Arsenault, a partner at Inovia Capital, who co-led the delegation, highlighted the involvement of several tech companies, including Cohere, Photonic, and AppDirect, as well as collaborations with Mila and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii).

The relationship between Canada and the UAE has intensified, particularly after the UAE was recognized as the “Country of Honour” at the AI-focused ALL IN conference in Montreal in September, which Mila co-organized. During this period, Canadian AI Minister Evan Solomon signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to explore investment opportunities in AI and digital infrastructure between the two countries. Furthermore, Inovia Capital has opened a new office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, reinforcing its commitment to the UAE market.

Investment and Human Rights Concerns

In reciprocation, the UAE recently introduced a framework to invest up to $50 billion USD (approximately $71 billion CAD) into Canadian sectors, including energy, AI, logistics, and mining. While Canada views the UAE as a strategic partner, human rights advocates have raised concerns regarding the UAE’s record on civil liberties.

According to Human Rights Watch, the UAE imposes significant restrictions on free expression, association, and assembly. Additionally, there are serious allegations regarding the treatment of migrant workers, who face disproportionate control by employers and the risk of detention if they attempt to escape abusive situations. Furthermore, Sudan has accused the UAE of complicity in genocide, a claim that the UAE has firmly denied.

In light of these concerns, BetaKit has reached out to Mila for commentary on the UAE’s human rights record. The research hub has also been active in forming partnerships globally and locally. Recently, Mila collaborated with BNP Paribas, the European banking and financial services provider, which allows the institution access to Mila’s scientific advancements while providing Mila opportunities to validate its research in practical environments.

As these developments unfold, the collaboration between the UAE and Canadian research institutions signifies a strategic move toward enhancing technological innovation, despite the backdrop of ongoing human rights discussions.