Microsoft has announced a $1.5 billion investment in AI firm G42 in the UAE, giving them a minority stake and a seat on the board. Under this partnership, G42 will run its AI applications on Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform to deliver advanced AI solutions to global public sector clients and large enterprises. Microsoft President Brad Smith will take a seat on G42’s board to ensure the development of safe, trusted, and responsible AI in coordination with the UAE and the US governments.
The partnership between Microsoft and G42 aims to bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. This collaboration comes at a time when the US is trying to curb China’s technological advancements by adding four Chinese companies to an export blacklist for attempting to acquire AI chips for China’s military. G42 has divested its investments in China and started removing Chinese hardware to address US concerns over its ties with Chinese businesses.
To support the development of AI skills in the UAE and the broader region, Microsoft and G42 are establishing a $1 billion fund for developers. There are protections in place for AI products shared with G42, including removing Chinese gear from the Emirati firm’s operations. G42 will no longer use Huawei telecom equipment, which the US believes could potentially allow Chinese intelligence agencies access to sensitive data. This deal between Microsoft and G42 is a significant step towards increasing regional adoption of AI solutions.
G42 and Azure have already worked together on multiple occasions over the past year, with G42 planning to utilize Microsoft’s Azure data centers as part of its AI infrastructure to enhance regional adoption. This partnership will not only boost the development and deployment of AI solutions in the region but also underline the importance of responsible and secure AI practices. By combining Microsoft’s technology with G42’s expertise, the firms aim to provide cutting-edge AI solutions to public sector clients and enterprises globally.
The involvement of Microsoft with G42 will likely lead to significant advancements in the field of AI in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. The two companies will work closely to ensure that the AI solutions developed adhere to the highest standards of safety, trust, and responsibility. This collaboration is poised to drive innovation and growth in the region’s AI sector, ultimately benefiting governments, businesses, and individuals by delivering advanced AI capabilities that can address a wide range of challenges and opportunities.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s investment in G42 represents a strategic move to expand its footprint in the AI industry while also fostering the growth of AI capabilities in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. Through this partnership, both companies are set to play a key role in driving the adoption of AI solutions and technologies in the region, while also contributing to the global efforts to develop safe and responsible AI practices. With a $1 billion fund for developers and a focus on removing Chinese gear from AI products, this collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on the future of AI deployment and innovation in the region and beyond.
