Microsoft has made a significant investment of $1.5 billion in the United Arab Emirates-based technology firm G42, which operates under the supervision of the UAE’s influential national security adviser. The announcement of this partnership was made by Microsoft and G42 on Tuesday, unveiling a strategic collaboration between the two entities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, will be appointed to G42’s board of directors, reflecting the depth of collaboration between the two organizations. Microsoft emphasized that the deal was crafted in close coordination with both the UAE and U.S. governments, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, G42 is renowned for its expertise in AI technology and operates data centers across the Middle East and beyond. The company has notably developed Jais, recognized as the world’s leading Arabic-language AI model, demonstrating its commitment to advancing AI capabilities.
As part of the collaboration, G42 will leverage Microsoft’s cloud computing platform to deploy its AI applications and services. Additionally, the two companies will collaborate to enhance digital infrastructure in regions where G42 has established a foothold, spanning the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
G42 has previously taken steps to distance itself from Chinese hardware suppliers amid concerns raised by the U.S. government regarding its alleged proximity to the Chinese government. The company has faced scrutiny over its ties to a mobile app flagged as spyware, as well as allegations regarding the clandestine collection of genetic material on behalf of the Chinese government.
Heading G42’s board is Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser.