Microsoft has committed to investing $1.5 billion in the artificial intelligence development holding company G42, aiming to enhance the accessibility of AI technologies and skilling initiatives across the United Arab Emirates.
In a Microsoft press release, the expanded collaboration was hailed as a pivotal step towards empowering organizations of all sizes in new markets to leverage the advantages of AI and cloud technologies, while ensuring adherence to world-leading standards in safety and security.
As part of the partnership, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join the board of directors at G42, signifying a deeper integration of the two companies’ strategic objectives.
Smith emphasized the broader scope of the collaboration, stating, “Our two companies will work together not only in the UAE but to bring AI and digital infrastructure and services to underserved nations. We will combine world-class technology with world-leading standards for safe, trusted, and responsible AI, in close coordination with the governments of both the UAE and the United States.”
G42 will leverage Microsoft Azure to run its AI applications and services, collaborating with Microsoft to deliver AI solutions to global public sector customers and large enterprises.
His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of G42, hailed the partnership as a significant milestone, reflecting a shared vision for progress and innovation. He emphasized the alignment of values and aspirations between the two organizations, fostering greater cooperation and synergy on a global scale.
In a recent blog post, Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft, underscored the commitment to security and compliance, highlighting a first-of-its-kind binding agreement with assurances to the USA and UAE governments. This agreement aims to apply world-class best practices to ensure the secure, trusted, and responsible development and deployment of AI.
Althoff further emphasized the joint commitment to compliance with USA and international trade, security, responsible AI, and business integrity laws and regulations, underpinning the shared dedication to ethical and responsible AI development.