Microsoft announced the strengthening of its strategic partnership with the “G42” group with the aim of accelerating the pace of digital transformation in the United Arab Emirates, as part of Microsoft’s recent announcement of an investment worth $15.2 billion in the UAE.
On Wednesday, the two companies revealed a data center system expansion project with a capacity of 200 megawatts, which will be implemented through Khazna Data Centers, a subsidiary of the G42 group, with the expansion expected to enter into operation before the end of 2026. This achievement constitutes the beginning of a new chapter in efforts to enable the digital future in the UAE through trust, technology, and talent development.
The expansion project is based on a shared commitment to the principles of trust and responsible innovation, as the partnership between Microsoft and the G42 group is based on applying the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, and ensuring the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Future Foundation (RAIFF), which was established in partnership between Microsoft, the G42 Group, and the Mohammed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence, represents a global model in developing responsible artificial intelligence and strengthening governance frameworks.
The 200 MW data center expansion will also provide world-class cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the UAE, enhancing Microsoft Azure services and its secure and scalable sovereign cloud solutions.
This investment supports the UAE’s national strategy for the digital economy, which aims to double the digital economy’s contribution to the gross domestic product over the next ten years.
Advanced graphics processing units and modern artificial intelligence technologies will also provide government agencies, organized sectors, and companies with the ability to innovate, expand, build capabilities, and work with high efficiency and flexibility.
In line with Microsoft’s commitment to train one million individuals in the UAE by 2027, this expansion opens new horizons for national competencies in the fields of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services.
This partnership resulted in the establishment of the “Global Engineering Development Center” and the “AI for Good Lab” in Abu Dhabi, while cooperation efforts continue with government agencies and educational institutions to ensure that digital skills are available to all, and to prepare a new generation of leaders and technology pioneers.
Brad Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of Microsoft, said that this expansion goes beyond simply establishing data centers, it is a step towards empowering the future of the UAE, adding that the company is working, by combining Microsoft’s global experience with the local leadership of “G42” and its growing role as an international “Nickelode” organization, to build the foundation for innovation that will provide new opportunities for people throughout the country.
In turn, Ping Xiao, CEO of G42, said that the group’s partnership with Microsoft contributes to achieving its vision of building the “Intelligence Network,” which is the interconnected infrastructure for intelligence, designed to empower individuals, sectors, and countries in the age of artificial intelligence.
He added: “As a Nickelodeon organization launched from Abu Dhabi, G42 works to develop systems that are sovereign, secure, and open to global cooperation, while maintaining the human nature of technology at the core of its design.”
This expansion strengthens the UAE’s leadership position in the region’s digital economy, through a series of joint efforts and initiatives between Microsoft and the G42 group, including the launch of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Future Foundation (RAIFF) and the establishment of specialized research centers in Abu Dhabi.
Through this partnership, Microsoft and the G42 group are also contributing to laying the digital foundation to shape a promising future based on trust, technological excellence, and inclusive growth for all.
