Nauticus Robotics Announces $50M UAE Expansion with Master Investment Group

Partnership to establish autonomous robotics manufacturing and offshore services hub in the United Arab Emirates.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Nauticus Robotics, a developer of autonomous subsea robotics and software solutions, has announced a strategic investment of up to $50 million from Master Investment Group to establish the company's first international manufacturing and offshore robotics services hub in the United Arab Emirates. The agreement includes an initial $3 million investment tranche to fund startup activities, with additional capital available to support further expansion. The proposed collaboration aims to accelerate global deployment of Nauticus' Aquanaut autonomous subsea robotic platform and position the UAE as a regional leader in advanced robotics and industrial automation.

Why it matters

This partnership represents a significant milestone in Nauticus' global growth strategy, allowing the company to accelerate deployment, reduce delivery timelines, and better serve customers across international markets. It also aligns with the UAE's objective of attracting world-class technology and building high-value industrial capacity in the region.

The details

Under the proposed transaction, Nauticus plans to form a dedicated manufacturing, sales, and offshore services business unit in the UAE. Initial facility sites are already under evaluation, and Master Investment Group is expected to fund facility development, workforce localization, and initial manufacturing capability. Nauticus has already initiated the formation of a local legal entity in the UAE and completed preliminary identification of a potential site for the planned facility. Once operational, the facility is expected to support expanded production of the Aquanaut platform, delivery of offshore robotic services across the Middle East and adjacent regions, and future deployment of additional Nauticus robotic and software technologies.

  • Nauticus and Master Investment Group anticipate initial operational capability in 2026, subject to final approvals.

The players

Nauticus Robotics, Inc.

A developer of autonomous robots for the ocean industries, focused on reducing operational costs and improving offshore health, safety, and environmental exposure.

Master Investment Group

A regional investment company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, offering integrated investment solutions and aiming to position the UAE as a regional leader in advanced robotics and industrial automation.

Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi

The Managing Director of Master Investment Group.

John Gibson

The President and CEO of Nauticus Robotics.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to enter into this strategic relationship with Nauticus and to support the establishment of advanced autonomous robotics capabilities in the UAE. This initiative reflects our commitment to attracting world-class technology, building high-value industrial capacity, and positioning the UAE as a regional center for robotics, automation, and next-generation offshore services. We see significant long-term potential in this collaboration, not only for Nauticus' growth, but for the development of local talent, innovation, and sustainable industrial infrastructure across the UAE.”

— Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi, Managing Director of Master Investment Group

“This proposed investment represents a meaningful step forward in our global growth strategy. Establishing Aquanaut manufacturing and offshore services in the UAE allows us to accelerate deployment, reduce delivery timelines, and better serve customers across international markets. Fleet expansion is fundamental to building the company, and this relationship represents an important first milestone toward that objective.”

— John Gibson, President and CEO of Nauticus Robotics

What’s next

The proposed transaction remains subject to required third-party and governmental approvals. The parties anticipate initial operational capability in 2026, subject to final approvals.

The takeaway

This partnership between Nauticus Robotics and Master Investment Group represents a significant step forward in the global expansion of autonomous robotics technology, positioning the UAE as a regional hub for advanced offshore robotics and services. The collaboration aims to drive innovation, create local jobs, and support the UAE's industrial development goals.