TII and Abu Dhabi Ship Building Collaborate on New Naval Innovation Hub to Advance Naval Technologies
Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a strategic alliance aimed at pushing the frontiers of maritime defense, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research branch of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has entered into a formal collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB). This landmark partnership will establish a cutting-edge Naval Technology Innovation Hub, purpose-built to accelerate research, integration, and testing of next-generation naval systems.
The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s deepening commitment to enhancing its defense innovation ecosystem, particularly in forward-looking domains such as autonomy, propulsion, advanced materials, and secure systems.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, stated, “Our collaboration with ADSB reflects our shared commitment to shaping the future of naval capabilities through science-led innovation. By aligning TII’s deep research strengths with ADSB’s operational expertise, we are laying the groundwork to rapidly transition advanced technologies from concept to deployment – reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position in the global maritime landscape.”
David Massey, CEO of ADSB, commented, “This Innovation Hub to Advance Naval Technologies reflects our commitment to positioning the UAE as a leader in global maritime defense technology and innovation. Through focused expertise and strategic partnerships, we aim to set new standards in naval defense, sustainability, and advanced maritime operations.”
Through this agreement, the two entities will jointly pursue innovation in several core technology areas, including:
- Quantum magnetic sensing
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) inspired by quantum principles
- Underwater robotics and autonomous naval systems
- Advanced materials, such as anti-corrosion coatings and composite armor solutions
They will also collaborate on systems for marine autonomy, unmanned underwater vessels, diver detection and communication, cutting-edge sonar systems, and advanced hull treatment technologies.
At the heart of the collaboration is the establishment of a jointly managed Naval Technology Innovation Hub. This R&D hub will serve as a fully equipped laboratory environment and testbed for co-developing, validating, and integrating innovative solutions in operationally realistic settings. A shared technology roadmap and emphasis on talent and knowledge exchange will foster collaborative advancement.
The new Innovation Hub builds upon previous successful TII-ADSB projects, such as the development of autonomous and stealth unmanned surface vehicles and the deployment of the 170 M-detector unmanned vessel—designed for mine countermeasures and oceanographic missions. These prior initiatives, which combined TII’s R&D integration prowess with ADSB’s design and manufacturing strength, exemplify the type of synergies the Hub will now institutionalize and expand.
This strategic partnership showcases Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a global leader in defense innovation and demonstrates the key roles of both TII and ADSB as pioneers in shaping the future naval defense architecture.
About Technology Innovation Institute (TII)
TII is the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). It serves as a global R&D hub across 9 dedicated research centers specializing in advanced materials, cryptography, AI and digital science, autonomous robotics, directed energy, quantum technologies, secure systems, propulsion and space, and sustainable energy. By collaborating with international innovators and academic institutions, TII enhances the UAE’s global standing in breakthrough scientific development.
About Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB)
ADSB is a leading UAE-based provider of naval, military, and commercial vessel construction, repair, and refit services. With a modern shipyard and close to three decades of operational success, ADSB delivers technology-driven maritime solutions aligned with the UAE’s defense strategy and sustainability goals.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
