Microsoft and G42 team up to deliver Abu Dhabi data centres

Microsoft Corp. and G42 have joined forces to establish two new data centres in Abu Dhabi, aiming to advance their collective Responsible AI goals. The first centre, co-founded and co-funded by G42 and Microsoft, with the endorsement of UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), will focus on identifying, developing, and advancing best practices for the responsible use of AI in the Middle East and the Global South.

The second centre will see the expansion of Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab into Abu Dhabi, supporting AI projects that address key societal goals. This new lab will collaborate with nonprofit organizations and partners to tackle economic and societal challenges across the Middle East and Africa, prioritizing the development of language models for underrepresented languages and focusing on food security and climate resilience.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, stated, “Today’s steps will add to the important progress Microsoft and G42 are making to broaden access to the responsible, safe, and secure use of artificial intelligence. We are committed to additional steps with G42 that advance responsible AI use for customers and strengthen the relationship between our two companies and countries.”

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42 also commented, saying, “By advancing Responsible AI together with Microsoft, we are creating a framework for AI to serve all of humanity. These new centres reflect our shared vision for leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges and position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for AI innovation prioritizing safety, trust, and collaboration, especially across the global south.”

The collaboration between Microsoft and G42 in Abu Dhabi signifies a significant stride towards leveraging technology for societal benefit and responsible AI usage.