Microsoft Invests $1.5 Billion in Abu Dhabi’s AI Group G42

Tech giant Microsoft has agreed to invest $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence (AI) group G42, the latest in the company's increased interest and investment in AI and a sign of increasing collaboration between tech companies in the US and United Arab Emirates. The deal gives Microsoft a minority stake in G42, with vice-chair and president Brad Smith taking a seat on the board.

The deal comes after G42 cut ties with several Chinese hardware suppliers, who had been subject to scrutiny by US lawmakers. As part of the deal, G42 will use Microsoft’s cloud computing platform Azure as the ‘backbone’ for its development and deployment of AI services.

In addition to the $1.5 billion deal, Smith also announced plans for developing joint data centres in other countries, as well as providing support for a $1 billion fund for AI developers. The deal is a big step for the UAE as it aims to cement its position as a regional and global player in the development of AI; G42 is backed by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala, with oversight from national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al Nahyan.