FORMER International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) president H.E. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi has been appointed chairman of Neurovia AI, an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence company seeking to develop sovereign AI infrastructure in the UAE and wider Gulf region.
The appointment, announced by Nasdaq-listed Robo.ai Inc on Monday, comes as governments and technology firms in the region accelerate efforts to build domestic AI capabilities focused on data security, compliance and digital sovereignty.
Al-Raisi’s appointment took effect immediately following Neurovia AI’s integration into Robo.ai, with the company saying he will oversee the subsidiary’s governance framework, security oversight, regulatory compliance and engagement with government and enterprise clients.
The former Interpol chief will also provide strategic guidance as Neurovia AI expands its operations and aligns its development with the UAE’s national artificial intelligence strategy.
Al-Raisi served as president of Interpol from 2021 to 2025, becoming the first representative from the Middle East to lead the international law enforcement organisation in its more than 100-year history.
Before taking up the Interpol presidency, he served as inspector general of the UAE Ministry of Interior, where he was involved in national policing, security operations and digital transformation initiatives.
His election as Interpol president in 2021 drew criticism from several human rights groups and campaigners, who raised concerns over allegations involving the treatment of detainees in the UAE and called for scrutiny of the organisation’s leadership.
Al-Raisi and UAE authorities have denied allegations of wrongdoing.
Robo.ai said Al-Raisi brings more than four decades of experience in digital transformation, public sector technology and global security governance, including expertise in national-level data compliance, cross-border digital risk management and the development of security frameworks for large-scale digital systems.
As chairman of Neurovia AI, Al-Raisi said his focus would be on strengthening data security and supporting responsible AI development.
“Data infrastructure is the cornerstone of the artificial intelligence era, and building this foundation requires high standards and responsible security governance,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the board and the management team to establish a robust and compliant data security framework and to support the sound development of the region’s AI industry.”
The UAE has placed artificial intelligence at the centre of its economic diversification strategy, with the country seeking to position itself as a global hub for AI investment, infrastructure and innovation.
The appointment of a former global policing chief to lead an AI company highlights the growing emphasis among governments and technology firms on cybersecurity, governance and trust as AI adoption expands. – July 13, 2026
