Qualcomm to Open Global Engineering Hub in Abu Dhabi, Focused on AI and IoT Development

Qualcomm Technologies has announced plans to establish a global engineering center in Abu Dhabi, marking a major expansion of the company’s footprint in advanced technology development. The new facility will focus on innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and data center technologies.

The engineering hub, part of Qualcomm’s global network of research and development facilities, will play a central role in the company’s efforts to create high-performance connectivity solutions and power-efficient computing technologies. The move aligns with the UAE’s national strategy to drive economic diversification through investment in cutting-edge sectors.

In a statement, Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, said the Abu Dhabi center would support the development of next-generation technologies while also contributing to local economic growth. “This new engineering hub will focus on developing best-in-class AI and industrial IoT solutions while also cultivating local talent and fostering job creation,” Amon said. “We look forward to working with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the UAE to expand their technology ecosystem.”

The center is expected to address growing global and regional demand for intelligent and scalable digital solutions. It will support technological advancements in key sectors including energy, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and smart mobility — all priority areas under the UAE’s Vision 2030 agenda.

Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant milestone in the emirate’s journey to becoming a global tech innovation hub. “Abu Dhabi is laying the groundwork for future-defining industries, grounded in world-class research capabilities, integrated infrastructure and the ability to attract top-tier talent,” he said. “The Qualcomm Engineering Center is poised to deliver technological advancements across critical sectors, unlocking complex solutions at a global scale.”

The new center will also partner with regional and international companies to co-develop solutions that meet evolving market needs, while fostering innovation and building technical expertise within the UAE.

Qualcomm’s expansion into Abu Dhabi signals increasing confidence in the region’s capacity to serve as a global platform for high-tech research, particularly in AI and IoT — two fields expected to shape the future of industry and infrastructure worldwide.