Microsoft Corp and G42 have inaugurated two new centers in Abu Dhabi to bolster their shared goals for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI). This strategic initiative aligns with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council’s (AIATC) vision to establish industry benchmarks for AI usage, particularly focusing on the Middle East and the Global South.
The first center, jointly founded and funded by G42 and Microsoft, with support from the AIATC, is dedicated to developing and promoting best practices for AI application. It will serve as a collaborative space for academic researchers and AI experts to forge advancements in responsible AI methodologies.
Simultaneously, Microsoft is expanding its AI for Good Research Lab to Abu Dhabi, marking its first foray into the Middle East. This extension will support AI projects targeting significant societal challenges such as economic development and community welfare, working closely with its Nairobi team. The lab’s focus will include developing large language models for underrepresented languages to mitigate the global language divide, enhancing food security, and boosting climate resilience through AI-driven analysis of geospatial data.
Both centers are part of a broader effort by Microsoft and G42 to implement stringent AI standards and ensure safe deployment of generative AI models and applications. This initiative includes comprehensive digital safety and cybersecurity measures, and ‘red teaming’ strategies to protect AI systems from vulnerabilities.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, emphasized the partnership’s role in expanding access to responsible and secure AI technologies, reinforcing the collaborative ties between the UAE and the USA. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the venture’s aim to use AI to address global challenges while establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading AI innovation hub.
This collaboration further extends to regulatory compliance, with G42 adhering to stringent business practices, including a policy against dealing with entities on the US Government Consolidated Screening List. The partnership has also catalyzed a $1 billion investment in Kenya for geothermal energy projects, showcasing its commitment to addressing energy needs in emerging markets.
Additionally, the transition of G42’s public cloud infrastructure to Microsoft Azure is set to enhance operational security and efficiency, showcasing the potential of AI and cloud technologies to drive global technological progress and societal benefits.
