Microsoft, UAE-based AI startup G42 to establish 2 centers in Abu Dhabi

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and United Arab Emirates-based AI company G42 will set up two centers in Abu Dhabi to advance responsible AI goals.

The companies said the first — which will be co-founded and co-funded by the two parties, and backed by UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, or AIATC — will identify, develop and advance best practices and industry standards for the responsible use of AI in the Middle East and the Global South.

The second would be the expansion of Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab in Abu Dhabi to support AI projects that address key societal goals.

In collaboration with the Lab’s existing team in Nairobi, the initiative will prioritize developing large language models, or LLMs, for underrepresented languages. It will also focus on advancing food security and boosting climate resilience by applying AI to high-resolution geospatial data, enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities, according to the companies.

“Today’s steps will add to the important progress Microsoft and G42 are making to broaden access to the responsible, safe, and secure use of artificial intelligence,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and President of Microsoft.

The companies noted that the agreement built on their April partnership, under which Microsoft is investing $1.5B in the AI firm. Last year, G42 had announced a collaboration with Microsoft (MSFT)-backed ChatGPT creator OpenAI.

G42 said the company and its affiliates do not conduct business with any entity listed on the U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List.

The agreement between the two companies require each to give security assurances to their respective governments.

In June, White House technology advisor Tarun Chhabra had noted that Microsoft’s investment in was seen as “generally a positive” as it weakens ties between the Middle East and China.

The U.S. had placed several export curbs, as part of Washington’s efforts to hinder China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology used for AI.