Industrial AI powerhouse Cognite has launched its Abu Dhabi operations, bringing sophisticated artificial intelligence tools directly to the Middle East’s energy and manufacturing sectors.
The new Abu Dhabi entity serves as Cognite’s regional hub for expertise, technology, and customer support across the Middle East. This expansion targets the growing demand for industrial digitalization among the region’s largest energy and manufacturing companies, where AI adoption has reached unprecedented levels.
Abu Dhabi’s AI Boom Attracts Global Tech Leaders
Abu Dhabi’s AI sector has exploded by 61% in just one year, according to recent data from the Abu Dhabi Chamber. The emirate now hosts 673 AI companies, representing one of the world’s highest concentrations relative to global totals. This surge reflects the UAE government’s aggressive push to establish the country as a world leader in artificial intelligence through its National AI Strategy 2031.
Cognite specializes in making complex industrial data accessible to AI systems, enabling energy and manufacturing companies to automate operations, improve safety, and boost efficiency.
“The UAE is leading the world in ambition and action around industrial AI,” said Girish Rishi, CEO of Cognite. “Cognite is establishing a presence in the UAE to anchor our access and response to industrial customers, so we can co-innovate with our incredible talent on the ground.”
Middle East Manufacturers Lead Global AI Adoption
Recent research by Rockwell Automation reveals that Middle East manufacturers have achieved the world’s highest adoption rate of generative AI at 98%. Saudi and UAE manufacturers lead globally in deploying AI across quality control, cybersecurity, and energy management applications, with 96% committed to broader AI and machine learning technologies.
This adoption rate far exceeds European benchmarks, highlighting the region’s appetite for advanced industrial technologies. Companies are seeking solutions that can handle the massive amounts of data generated by modern industrial operations while providing real-time insights for decision-making.
Cognite’s Data-First Approach to Industrial AI
Cognite’s success stems from its focus on data foundation rather than flashy AI applications. The company’s Data Fusion platform makes industrial data “AI-ready” by connecting and structuring information from operational, engineering, and IT systems. This creates a unified data model that AI agents can use to provide insights and automate time-consuming tasks.
The platform integrates with Cognite Atlas AI, a low-code workbench that makes powerful AI capabilities accessible to industrial organizations without requiring extensive technical expertise. This approach allows companies to embed AI into existing workflows rather than overhauling entire systems.
Bernard Looney, board member at XRG, an international energy investment company based in Abu Dhabi, praised Cognite’s approach:
“Cognite’s AI solutions are the pre-requisite foundation for the application of any form of AI, helping drive improved safety, emissions, and performance. I am delighted with Cognite’s new presence in the UAE.”
Strategic Alignment with UAE’s Industrial Vision
The Abu Dhabi hub supports the UAE’s broader industrial transformation goals outlined in Operation 300bn, the country’s industrial strategy. This initiative aims to develop the UAE’s industrial sector and enhance its role in stimulating the national economy, with AI playing a central role in achieving these objectives.
Cognite’s presence also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s growing AI ecosystem by adding specialized industrial expertise and talent to the region. The company joins a growing list of international tech companies establishing operations in the UAE to tap into the region’s AI-friendly regulatory environment and strategic location between East and West markets.
Building Local Expertise and Partnerships
Cognite’s Abu Dhabi entity will focus on building local partnerships and developing regional expertise in industrial AI applications. This approach recognizes that successful AI implementation requires deep understanding of local business practices, regulatory requirements, and cultural considerations.
The company plans to work closely with regional customers to co-innovate solutions tailored to Middle Eastern industrial challenges. This collaborative approach has proven successful in other markets where Cognite operates, leading to more effective AI deployments and stronger customer relationships.
Looking Ahead: Regional AI Leadership
As more international tech companies establish Middle Eastern operations, the region is likely to become an important hub for AI innovation and deployment.
The success of Cognite’s Abu Dhabi operations will depend on its ability to navigate local markets while delivering the sophisticated AI solutions that have made it a leader in industrial digitalization. With the UAE’s strong government support for AI adoption and the region’s demonstrated appetite for advanced technologies, the conditions appear favorable for continued growth.
This also attracts broader trends in the global AI industry, where companies are recognizing the need for regional presence to serve industrial customers effectively. As AI becomes more central to industrial operations, proximity to customers and local expertise become critical success factors.
