ARTIFICIAL intelligence company Robo.ai Inc. has partnered with Abu Dhabi-based Eleven International Holdings to establish Alif Holding, a new technology group focused on developing AI solutions for government, infrastructure and industrial sectors.
The joint venture will be headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with Robo.ai holding a controlling stake. It will focus on developing intelligent software and equipment for use in sectors including energy, oil and gas, ports, utilities, transportation, mining, public safety and smart city projects.
Alif Holding will operate across two areas — intelligent equipment and software.
The equipment side will cover robotics, automation, advanced materials and manufacturing technologies, while its software division will focus on industrial AI, computer vision, AI agents, large language models, digital twin technology and data analytics.
The company said it plans to develop engineering, assembly and production capabilities in Abu Dhabi as part of its longer-term plans to build local manufacturing capacity.
Alif Holding will initially focus on integrating existing technologies before expanding its production and market reach, with the group looking to work with international companies in AI, robotics, sensors, software and communications.
The partnership comes as the UAE continues to push investment in artificial intelligence and advanced industries through its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
Research by PwC estimates AI could contribute nearly US$96 billion to the UAE economy by 2030, equivalent to around 13.6% of the country’s gross domestic product.
Robo.ai chief executive officer Benjamin Zhai said the group was formed to support growing demand for AI systems among governments and industries.
“Governments, critical infrastructure operators and industry across this region are investing in artificial intelligence at national scale, and they need partners able to deliver complete systems end to end,” he said. – July 30, 2026
