Abu Dhabi: Microsoft has made a significant $1.5 billion investment in G42, the prominent AI technology holding company based in the UAE.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of G42, was present during the announcement of G42’s partnership with Microsoft.
Through the investment, the two businesses will work together more closely to provide the UAE and other nations with the newest Microsoft AI technologies and skill-building programs. Brad Smith, President and Vice Chair of Microsoft, will become a member of the G42 Board of Directors as part of the extended collaboration.
The increased cooperation would enable businesses of all sizes to take advantage of cloud computing and artificial intelligence while making sure the technology they use complies with the highest safety and security standards globally.
Microsoft’s investment strengthens the two companies’ mutual commitment to a strategic alliance, building on their long-standing cooperation in AI and digital transformation projects. G42 will collaborate with Microsoft Azure to provide cutting-edge AI solutions to major corporations and worldwide public sector clients. G42 will also operate AI services and apps on Azure. Additionally, G42 and Microsoft will collaborate to provide advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure to Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and African nations. This will enable these regions to fairly access services that address significant business and governmental issues while maintaining the highest standards of security and privacy.
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of G42, remarked that, “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 organisations. This partnership is a testament to the shared values and aspirations for progress, fostering greater cooperation and synergy globally.”
With the investment of AED 3.67 billion ($1 billion) in a development fund for developers, the collaboration will also promote the growth of a talented and skilled AI workforce, creating a talent pool that will drive innovation and competitiveness for the UAE and the wider region.
Over the previous year, G42 and Microsoft have achieved several significant milestones that have increased their relationship. This includes a collaborative initiative that was unveiled in April 2023 to create AI solutions customized for businesses and governments using Microsoft’s vast network of partners and cloud computing power.
The firms signed a contract in September 2023 to launch sovereign cloud services and work together to maximize the potential of advanced artificial intelligence features on the Azure public cloud platform. Microsoft most recently announced in November 2023 that the Jais Arabic Large Language Model from G42 is now available on the brand-new Azure AI Cloud Model-as-a-Service.