Microsoft has announced a staggering $1.5 billion investment in G42, a prominent UAE-based AI technology company. This strategic investment aims to expand Microsoft’s AI technologies across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
Under this partnership, G42 will migrate its AI applications and services to Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. Moreover, the collaboration extends beyond technology to skill development initiatives. Microsoft and G42 will jointly invest $1 billion in a fund dedicated to fostering local talent and supporting developers in the region.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, will join G42’s board of directors, reflecting the depth of collaboration between the two entities. Smith emphasized the broader mission of the partnership, stating, “Our goal is not only to empower the UAE but to extend AI and digital infrastructure to underserved nations, adhering to the highest standards of safety, trust, and responsibility.”
Founded in 2018, G42, chaired by Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, boasts an impressive portfolio including Khazna Data Centers, Presight data analytics firm, and biotech company Hayat Biotech. This partnership builds upon previous collaborations between G42 and Microsoft, particularly in developing AI solutions for the public sector and offering sovereign cloud services on Azure.
