SenseTime to build regional AI R&D hub in Abu Dhabi

SenseTime is opening a regional headquarters for research and development into AI technologies, possibly including biometric facial recognition, in Abu Dhabi, after striking a deal with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), UAE publication The National reports.

The facility is expected to directly create 600 high-skill technology jobs over the next five years. Adio will provide cash and other incentives to the facial recognition unicorn, and hopes many more jobs will be created indirectly as it builds up the emirates’ tech ecosystem.

The company will conduct research and development of AI for seven different industries, including health care, remote sensing, and education at the Abu Dhabi headquarters, according to the report. Adio also says SenseTime will provide AI capabilities to local tech start-ups through Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 program.

Work will begin on the new facility this year.

Like many Chinese AI companies, SenseTime is facing increased scrutiny over its investors and business practices. The company recently agreed to build an AI hub to develop speech recognition technology in Malaysia.

Article Topics

artificial intelligence  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  Middle East  |  research and development  |  SenseTime