Microsoft and G42, an artificial intelligence company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced on Tuesday that they will open two AI research centers in Abu Dhabi, focusing on “responsible” AI development. This initiative builds on their existing $1.5 billion partnership established in April, as the UAE seeks to position itself as a global leader in AI technology.
The first of the two centers will bring together academic researchers and private sector AI experts to collaborate on best practices in responsible AI development. This reflects the increasing importance of ensuring that AI technologies are deployed safely and ethically. The second center will concentrate on developing large language models, including those that support “underrepresented languages,” addressing gaps in current AI technology.
The UAE government, through entities like G42, is investing heavily in AI as part of its strategy to diversify the economy beyond its traditional oil dependency. G42 is a key player in these efforts, and its chairman, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the UAE’s national security advisor and brother to the president, is at the forefront of these developments.
Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, and U.S. private equity firm Silver Lake hold significant stakes in G42, further highlighting the global interest in the UAE’s AI ambitions.
Earlier this year, G42 made headlines by divesting its investments in China, signaling a strategic shift that was solidified by the Microsoft partnership. The companies emphasized that the collaboration is backed by assurances to both U.S. and UAE governments regarding security, a critical consideration in the global AI landscape.
Microsoft and G42’s new centers will also focus on ensuring that generative AI models—such as those used to create human-like text and responses—are developed and deployed with safety in mind. The companies stressed that G42 and its affiliates do not engage with any entities listed on the U.S. government’s restricted export list, emphasizing compliance with international trade and security standards.
As the UAE continues to invest in cutting-edge technology and AI, the partnership between Microsoft and G42 is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of responsible AI development both within the region and globally.
