G42, a UAE-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology holding company, and Microsoft Corp. have announced a $1.5 billion strategic investment by Microsoft in G42. As part of this expanded partnership, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, will join the G42 Board of Directors.
G42 will run its AI applications and services on Microsoft Azure and partner to deliver AI solutions to global public sector clients and large enterprises. The two companies will also work together to bring AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
The partnership will also support the development of a skilled and diverse AI workforce and talent pool to drive innovation and competitiveness for the UAE and broader region, with the investment of $1B in a development fund for developers. H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of G42, emphasised the significance of the partnership, stating:
"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."
Microsoft and G42 will work closely and elevate the security and compliance framework of their joint international infrastructure, committing to comply with US and international trade, security, responsible AI, and business integrity laws and regulations. This work is governed by a detailed Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement (IGAA) between G42 and Microsoft, developed in close consultation with both the UAE and US governments.