17 Apr UAE National Security Advisor oversees Microsoft AI investment
Microsoft is making a significant investment of UDS$1.5 billion in a technology firm based in the United Arab Emirates, which operates under the oversight of the UAE’s influential national security adviser.
The investment was announced on Tuesday 16 April by Microsoft and the technology holding company G42.
As part of the deal, Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, will join the board of directors at G42.
According to Microsoft, this agreement was developed in close coordination with both the UAE and U.S. governments.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, G42 manages data centres across the Middle East and beyond, positioning itself increasingly as an AI company.
Notably, G42 has developed Jais, which is recognised as the world’s foremost Arabic-language AI model.
Microsoft disclosed that G42 will leverage its AI applications and services on Microsoft’s cloud computing platform.
Additionally, the collaboration aims to expand digital infrastructure into regions where G42 operates across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser, serves as chairman of G42’s board.