Microsoft and G42 Announce AI Units in Abu Dhabi, Strengthens The Next Phase of their Partnership

In a collaborative effort, Microsoft and G42 announced the establishment of two new centers in Abu Dhabi to further responsible AI goals. G42 is a UAE-based AI technology company. This work builds on the partnership announced earlier this year.  The goal of these centers is to implement Responsible AI standards and practices. This includes working to ensure that the two companies’ generative AI models and applications are developed, deployed and used safely. 

This partnership is part of an ongoing effort to bring world-class technology to underserved regions such as the global south. “Today’s steps will add to the important progress Microsoft and G42 are making to broaden access to the responsible, safe, and secure use of artificial intelligence,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president at Microsoft. 

What are these AI Centers?

The first, co-founded and co-funded by G42 and Microsoft, along with Abu Dhabi’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Research Council (AIATRC), will identify, develop and advance best practices and industry standards for the responsible use of AI in the Middle East and the Global South. The second one is the expansion of Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab into Abu Dhabi, which will support AI projects that address key societal goals.

“By advancing Responsible AI together with Microsoft, we are creating a framework for AI to serve all of humanity. These new centers reflect our shared vision for leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for AI innovation that prioritizes safety, trust and collaboration, especially across the global south,” said Peng Xiao, group CEO of G42. 

G42 vs US vs China 

In a bid to emerge as a leading player in AI, G42 has actively collaborated with OpenAI and Qualcomm, among other tech giants. It is interesting to note that Microsoft has played a pivotal part in their journey as well. 

In November 2023, G42 began its shift from its legacy public cloud infrastructure to Microsoft Azure. Additionally, early this year, Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42 with a focus on expanding AI technologies and skilling initiatives in the UAE. In another similar collaboration, Microsoft and G42 unveiled a major digital investment initiative in collaboration with Kenya’s government. 

It is also interesting to note how Microsoft, along with several other tech companies, are leveraging its partnership with G42 to enter the South Asian and African markets where AI development is growing rapidly. G42 has also indicated its interest in cutting out its links with China gradually, especially with suppliers on the US's exports controls list.