Abu Dhabi-based Bold Technologies, a part of the vast Bold Holdings empire, is joining forces with My Aion, a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence, to roll out a staggering $2.5 billion smart-city project. The ambitious initiative, set to debut in the UAE capital, aims to redefine urban living through the deployment of a sophisticated AI platform known as Aion Sentia Cognitive City, a move that could potentially revolutionize the way cities function.
Pioneering the Future of Urban Living
The Aion Sentia platform, powered by My Aion’s cutting-edge AI engine Maia, is poised to manage intricate urban systems, spanning transportation, energy, education, healthcare, and digital services. Daniele Marinelli, CEO of My Aion, paints a vivid picture of a future where the AI knows you so well it can suggest—and book—the perfect spot for your anniversary dinner, all without you having to lift a finger. This advancement is not just about convenience; it’s about creating a seamless, interconnected urban life.
The project’s initial launch in Abu Dhabi is just the beginning, with plans to expand internationally. “The UAE presents the ideal environment for scaling our operations responsibly and strategically,” Marinelli remarked, highlighting the country’s robust infrastructure and supportive institutional framework.
Economic Implications and Job Creation
The project, structured under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, will see private sector entities constructing and operating the infrastructure before eventually handing it over to public control. This model not only promises financial returns for the investors but also assures long-term benefits for the public sector. Thani Al Thani Al Falasi, CEO of Bold Technologies, emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering job creation for UAE nationals, spurring local innovation, and bolstering the national AI ecosystem.
The economic ramifications of this venture are substantial. By integrating AI into urban infrastructure, Bold Technologies and My Aion are setting the stage for a technological renaissance in the region. However, as with any large-scale project, there are questions about sustainability and the challenges of integrating such advanced technologies into existing urban frameworks. For a deeper understanding of how AI is transforming sectors, see our coverage on AI-Powered Court System in Crypto.
AI and Cryptocurrency: An Emerging Synergy
Interestingly, the intersection of AI and cryptocurrency is gaining traction. At the Token2049 event in Dubai, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao noted that “the currency for AI is crypto,” suggesting that blockchain technology could unlock new capabilities for AI systems. This sentiment echoes the vision of Sean Neville of Catena Labs, who recently announced plans to create an AI-native financial institution. The synergy between AI and digital assets appears to be more than just a passing trend, with potential implications for how AI systems transact and operate. As explored in our recent coverage of AI Crypto Agents and DeFAI, these innovations are ushering in a new era of decentralized finance.
As the Aion Sentia project unfolds, the global community will be watching closely. Can Abu Dhabi’s bold gamble on AI-driven urban infrastructure set a precedent for other cities? Will the integration of AI and cryptocurrency redefine economic transactions? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the landscape of urban living is on the brink of transformation. As these technologies evolve, they will undoubtedly raise new questions about privacy, ethics, and the future of human-machine interaction—questions that developers, policymakers, and society at large will need to address.
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.