Microsoft and G42 have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate AI advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond. Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42, a leading AI company in the UAE, securing a minority stake in the organization. Additionally, Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, will join G42’s board of directors. This infusion of capital and expertise implies co-innovation and delivery of advanced AI solutions. Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform powers this collaboration and innovation.
Microsoft and G42 for Developers
An important aspect of this partnership is the establishment of a $1 billion fund dedicated to nurturing AI talent. The collaboration aims to foster skill development among developers in the UAE and the broader region. This investment underscores a shared vision to cultivate a skilled and diverse workforce capable of driving innovation and competitiveness in the realm of AI. By empowering developers with the resources and support they need, Microsoft and G42 aim to fuel a wave of digital innovation that transcends geographical boundaries.
Security and Compliance
Recognizing the importance of security and compliance in AI development and deployment, Microsoft and G42 have committed to upholding world-class standards through a binding agreement. This agreement, a first-of-its-kind, ensures the secure, trusted, and responsible utilization of AI technologies, adhering to U.S. and international trade, security, and regulatory laws. By prioritizing ethical AI practices and governance frameworks, the partnership aims to instill confidence among stakeholders and foster trust in AI-driven solutions.
Microsoft and G42 with Azure
Central to the partnership is G42’s trust in Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform. G42 will expand its utilization of Microsoft Cloud offerings, leveraging Azure’s industry-leading performance, scalability, and security features. This migration to Azure not only enhances G42’s service offerings but also accelerates AI product development. Clients can now expect faster delivery times and global scalability. Through Azure, G42 aims to deliver next-generation infrastructure and services across diverse sectors, including financial services, healthcare, energy, government, and education.
The collaboration between Microsoft and G42 extends beyond financial investments, encompassing technical co-innovation aimed at advancing AI accessibility and progress. G42’s expertise in AI technologies, coupled with Microsoft’s Azure capabilities, has already yielded significant milestones. They contributed to the development of Jais, the world’s first Arabic Large Language Model (LLM). This model, along with other groundbreaking AI products and services, will be made available through Microsoft Azure, facilitating widespread adoption and accessibility.
Digital Transformation
Beyond the confines of the UAE, Microsoft and G42 also aim to accelerate digital transformation across emerging markets. These include regions like the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. By expanding low-latency datacenter infrastructure and providing access to cutting-edge technologies, the partnership aims to empower enterprises across key industries. This initiative not only addresses pressing business concerns but also upholds the highest standards of security, privacy, and compliance.
