Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) have signed a new agreement to establish a Naval Technology Innovation Hub to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced maritime defence systems.
The Hub will act as a dedicated testbed for research, integration, and real-world evaluation of next-generation naval technologies, ranging from autonomous systems and directed energy solutions to advanced propulsion and secure communications.
As the applied research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), TII will contribute its expertise in cutting-edge science and engineering, while ADSB will bring operational and design capabilities in naval shipbuilding and maintenance.
Both organisations will jointly co-fund and operate the Hub.
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Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: “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, added: “This Innovation Hub to Advance Naval Technologies reflects our commitment to positioning the UAE as a leader in global maritime defence technology and innovation.
“Through focused expertise and strategic partnerships, we aim to set new standards in naval defense, sustainability, and advanced maritime operations.”
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According to the agreement, areas of exploration will include quantum magnetic sensing, CFD models inspired by quantum science, underwater and robotic systems, as well as new anti-corrosion coatings and composite armouring.
Additionally, the partners will target breakthroughs in marine autonomy, unmanned underwater vehicles, diver detection, next-generation sonar, and advanced hull treatments.
The two organisations have already cooperated on unmanned and stealth surface vessels, including a 170 M-detector platform designed for mine countermeasure and oceanographic tasks. The Hub formalises this earlier collaboration and provides a structured roadmap for future projects.
