G42, Microsoft alliance expands to include joint sovereign cloud and AI offering

Image: Microsoft

G42 and Microsoft will work together as part of a multi-pronged plan to enable access to sovereign cloud offerings, innovate and deliver advanced AI capabilities, while growing the existing data centre infrastructure in the UAE.

This announcement marks the first significant outcome since G42 and Microsoft announced their intention to partner earlier this year, in April.

In line with the new announcement, the companies will focus on bringing advanced AI-enabled industry specific solutions for health and life sciences, energy, sustainability and projects of national significance, such as the upcoming COP28 conference being held in the UAE this year.

Microsoft’s sovereign cloud offering will allow UAE public sector and regulated industries to use new platform capabilities for securing sensitive data, providing access to the latest cloud and AI features available on Azure public cloud and helping them comply with local privacy and regulatory requirements.

G42 and Microsoft will deliver new in-country services, extend go-to-market opportunities for partners, and unlock considerable value for Microsoft’s partner ecosystem to deliver industry-specific solutions to local entities.

Microsoft to increase Azure services reach in UAE

The partnership will also see the tech giant expanding its Azure services footprint in the UAE via Khazna Data Centers, a joint venture company between G42 and e&.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of Cyber Security for the UAE  and director of The National Data Centre under The Supreme Council for the National Security, said the Microsoft and G42 partnership will lead to increased innovation without compromising security and data privacy while supporting the UAE’s effort to manage cyber risks effectively, ensure continued services to society and support economic growth.

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, said: “This strategic collaboration with Microsoft isn’t just about technology; it’s about creating a holistic ecosystem for societal resilience and growth.

“By combining our respective expertise and shared forward-thinking approach, we aim to not only transform industries but also create positive economic opportunities and lasting impacts on the well-being of individuals, communities, and society as a whole.”

Judson Althoff, EVP at Microsoft, noted: “Microsoft’s partnership with G42 will empower customers across the public sector with next-generation AI solutions built on the most trusted, comprehensive, and integrated cloud platform. With data privacy, security, and compliance as our core priorities, we have a unique opportunity to help organisations responsibly innovate for the benefit of citizens and residents across the UAE.”

“By strengthening our collaboration with G42, we are supporting the UAE’s vision of empowering individuals and businesses to innovate AI solutions that not only drive sustainable economic growth, but also tackle ongoing challenges in our communities,” added Samer Abu-Ltaif, Corporate VP and President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Microsoft.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s G42 launches Jais, open source Arabic language AI model