// ai scene
G42 + TII (Falcon and Falcon Arabic LLMs) + MBZUAI, plus Hub71+ AI anchored by AWS, Nvidia, Google for Startups, and HPE. State-level AI infrastructure with product layers still being built.
// local signals
What's happening in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi has turned itself into the Middle East's AI infrastructure capital. Hub71 portfolio companies raised $2.17B in 2024 (up 44.7% year-on-year), and the AI research gravity from G42, TII, and MBZUAI pulls product teams into the city that need senior UX and engineering advisory early.
// ux community
UX community concentrated in Hub71 cohorts and Mubadala / ADQ portfolio companies. Smaller than Dubai's but closer to the funding.
// fractional
Senior advisor engagements plug cleanly into Hub71 startups and ADIA-adjacent product teams. Fractional leadership is how early-stage Abu Dhabi founders buy gravitas before a full hire.
// how I help
Two offers.
// good fit
If you recognise yourself here.
Pre-launch founders validating an idea in Abu Dhabi.
Startups with broken UX or unclear product direction in United Arab Emirates.
Enterprises needing senior engineering or product leadership.
AI-assisted teams who want a human UX review before shipping.