Abu dhabi: The UAE's initiative to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities has progressed with the inauguration of Alif Holding, a new industrial technology group based in Abu Dhabi, aimed at the domestic development and manufacturing of AI systems.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the US-listed technology firm Robo.ai Inc. (NASDAQ: AIIO) has announced the appointment of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the former President of INTERPOL, as the Chairman of Alif Holding, effective immediately. This move is in direct alignment with the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which focuses on local research and development, manufacturing, and the deployment of reliable AI in government services and critical infrastructure.

Alif Holding is set to operate under the slogan 'Building Intelligent Industries' and will be organized around two main platforms: intelligent software and intelligent equipment. The group aims to develop, integrate, and manufacture AI systems within the UAE for sectors including energy, oil and gas, ports, utilities, mining, transportation, public safety, and smart cities, as well as other national infrastructure.

Alif Holding's systems are designed to meet government-grade standards for security, reliability, and operational continuity. The company is also committed to technology neutrality and open architecture to ensure interoperability across public sector projects. Dr. Al-Raisi emphasized that Alif Holding's strategic direction aligns with the UAE's 2031 national agenda, focusing on engineering and manufacturing within the UAE, serving the UAE and the region, and expanding to global markets.

Dr. Al-Raisi, who brings over forty years of experience in public sector digital transformation and national data compliance, served as President of INTERPOL from 2021 to 2025 and is the first individual from the Middle East to hold the position. He also chairs Neurovia AI, another subsidiary of Robo.ai. As Chairman of Alif Holding, Dr. Al-Raisi will oversee the company's board, guiding its long-term strategy, governance framework, and risk and compliance standards for government deployments. He expressed his commitment to building a group grounded in trust, security, and responsible industrial development.