Emre Yumlu 
Abu Dhabi-based Bold Technologies has joined forces with international artificial intelligence company My Aion to launch a groundbreaking $2.5 billion smart city initiative. This ambitious project involves the creation of a cutting-edge platform named Aion Sentia Cognitive City, designed to revolutionize urban infrastructure through AI.
Smart City Transformation with Bold Technologies and AI
The platform will be developed to optimize complex urban systems across mobility, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services. At the heart of the system lies Maia, an advanced AI engine developed by My Aion.
According to My Aion CEO Daniele Marinelli, this AI will know users so well that it can, for example, recommend the ideal restaurant for an anniversary and make the reservation without the user lifting a finger.
Abu Dhabi First – Then the World
The project will be launched first in Abu Dhabi, with plans to expand globally in the near future. The official launch is expected within the next 18 months.
Public-Private Partnership Model to Boost Economy
The initiative will follow a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, where private sector entities construct the infrastructure, operate it for a set period, and eventually transfer it to public institutions. This approach allows companies to recoup investments and generate profit during the operational phase.
Bold Technologies CEO Thani Al Thani Al Falasi emphasized that the project will create job opportunities for UAE nationals, support local innovation, and significantly contribute to the country’s growing AI ecosystem.
Marinelli also noted that relocating to Abu Dhabi marks a new era for their global operations, stating that the UAE offers the infrastructure and institutional support needed for responsible and strategic scaling.
The Intersection of AI and Crypto
Meanwhile, on May 20, Catena Labs—led by Circle co-founder Sean Neville—announced its plans to launch a new AI-native financial institution. The team behind the project stated that while AI systems can work with traditional payments, they “gain superpowers when paired with stablecoins.”
At the Token2049 event in Dubai, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao echoed similar thoughts, claiming that “the currency for AI is crypto.” According to Zhao, AI and blockchain technology can work together far beyond basic token generation, unlocking a wide range of real-world applications.
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