Microsoft has invested $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence and cloud company G42, according to a statement issued by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on Tuesday.
Microsoft AI Technologies
The investment will strengthen collaboration between the two companies in bringing the most recent Microsoft AI technologies and skilling initiatives to the UAE and other countries around the world.
As part of the expanded partnership, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join the G42 Board of Directors.
The expanded collaboration will enable organisations of all sizes in new markets to reap the benefits of AI and the cloud, while ensuring that AI meets world-leading safety and security standards.
Microsoft’s investment builds on the two companies’ long-standing collaboration in AI and digital transformation initiatives, strengthening their mutual commitment to strategic partnership.
G42
Run AI applications and services on Microsoft Azure and collaborate to provide advanced AI solutions to global public sector clients and large enterprises.
G42 and Microsoft will also collaborate to bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, ensuring equitable access to services that address critical governmental and business concerns while maintaining the highest levels of security and privacy.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of G42, said: “Microsoft’s investment in G42 marks a pivotal moment in our company’s journey of growth and innovation, signifying a strategic alignment of vision and execution between the two organizations.
This partnership is a testament to the shared values and aspirations for progress, fostering greater cooperation and synergy globally.”
Investment of AED3.67 billion
With an investment of AED3.67 billion in a development fund for developers, the partnership will also support the development of a skilled and diverse AI workforce and talent pool, driving innovation and competitiveness for the UAE and the broader region.
Vice Chair of Microsoft
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, stated, “Our two companies will collaborate not only in the UAE, but also to bring AI, digital infrastructure, and services to underserved countries.
We will combine world-class technology with world-leading standards for safe, trusted, and responsible AI, working closely with the governments of the UAE and the United States.”
The commercial partnership is supported by assurances to both governments in the form of a first-of-its-kind agreement to use world-class best practices to ensure AI development and deployment is secure, trustworthy, and responsible.
Microsoft and G42 will collaborate closely to improve the security and compliance framework of their joint international infrastructure.
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