Microsoft has announced a significant investment of $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi's G42, an artificial intelligence group that has been under scrutiny for its ties to China. This collaboration will focus on advancing AI and digital infrastructure, marking Microsoft's first foray into the Middle East in this capacity.
G42, led by Chinese businessman Peng Xiao, has faced questions regarding its connections to Beijing. Concerns have been raised by US officials about the potential sharing of American technology and data with the Chinese government through G42. However, Xiao has refuted these claims, labeling them as misinformation.
Both G42 and Microsoft have pledged to adhere to US and international trade regulations as part of their partnership. Microsoft's President, Brad Smith, will join the G42 board as a part of this agreement, emphasizing their joint efforts to bring AI and digital services to underserved nations.
Last year, G42 introduced an Arabic-language AI model called 'Jais,' which is accessible through Microsoft's Azure platform. Microsoft has been actively forming strategic alliances with various AI companies to solidify its position as a leader in the field.
One of Microsoft's notable partnerships is with OpenAI, which has been instrumental in driving the company's growth. However, this collaboration has attracted regulatory scrutiny in the US and Europe over concerns of Microsoft's increasing dominance in the AI sector.
Microsoft's global AI investments have been on the rise, with recent partnerships in France, Spain, and Germany. The company's focus on the emerging AI era underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancements.
