Peng Xiao of G42
G42 and Microsoft have expanded its collaboration and also announced a multifaceted plan to make available sovereign cloud offerings, co-innovate and deliver advanced AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities. Additionally they plan to expand existing data centre infrastructure in UAE.
Microsoft’s sovereign cloud offering public sector and regulated industries to use new platform capabilities for securing access to new cloud and AI features available on Azure public cloud and helping local privacy and regulatory requirements. G42’s deep understanding of UAE sovereignty requirements and technical capabilities are central to customizing the offering to help address customer’s needs.
By combining their existing capabilities, the companies will also focus on bringing AI-enabled solutions for health and life sciences, energy, sustainability and projects of national significance. An example of such a project is the COP28 conference being held in the UAE this year.
G42 and Microsoft will further empower technology ecosystem by delivering 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. The partnership will also see Microsoft expanding its Azure services footprint in the UAE via Khazna Data Centres, a joint venture company between G42 and e&.
Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, head of cyber security for the UAE government and director of The National Data Centre under The Supreme Council for National Security, made an acknowledgment of the partnership between Microsoft and G42. This partnership further will contribute to creating a safer digital environment that public sector and regulated industries can utilise to enhance efficiency, as well as enable citizens to access services. This will lead to improvement without compromising security and data privacy while bolstering the country effort to manage cyber risks, ensure continued services to society, support economic growth, and uphold the reputation of UAE.
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, described the joint sovereign cloud and AI offering with Microsoft as a step forward in company’s mission to drive technological advancements across key sectors. “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, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Microsoft, notes that organisations all over the world are turning to advancements in generative AI technology to imagine new ways to solve business, societal, and sustainability challenges. “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.”
Samer Abu-Ltaif, corporate VP and president for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Microsoft, said that the UAE has distinguished itself as an early adopter of the latest technologies, creating the ideal environment for developing and deploying cutting-edge solutions. This has given organisations across every industry the confidence to explore solutions that will drive their digital transformation agendas, improve efficiency and enhance agility. “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.”
Follow us and Comment on Twitter @TheEE_io