Microsoft and G42 Commit $1 Billion Fund to Promote AI Skills in UAE

Microsoft has expanded its partnership with G42, an AI company based in the UAE, to enhance AI solutions across various industries using Microsoft Azure. This collaboration involves a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft for a minority stake in G42, and the addition of Brad Smith, Microsoft's Vice Chair and President, to G42’s board of directors. 

The partnership aims to drive the delivery of next-generation AI technologies and infrastructure services across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, focusing on sectors like finance, healthcare, energy, government, and education.

As part of this collaboration, both companies will establish a $1 billion fund to promote AI skills development in the UAE and surrounding regions. They will also work together to ensure the security and responsible deployment of AI by adhering to U.S. and international laws, under a binding Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement.

G42 plans to integrate Microsoft Cloud more deeply into its operations, reflecting its trust and preference for Microsoft’s technology to advance its services and solutions. This shift includes migrating G42’s data platforms and other essential technologies to Azure, which will provide enhanced performance, scalability, and security, and support the development of scalable AI-driven services.

The partnership will also accelerate digital transformation initiatives beyond the UAE. For instance, the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is moving its data center to Azure, which will enhance its digital capabilities using Core42’s sovereign controls platform. Another highlight is the collaboration between G42’s subsidiary M42 and major academic and research institutions like the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

They are using the Azure-powered Terra platform for secure biomedical research, facilitating data sharing and analysis that supports advanced genomic research and precision medicine.