Microsoft to open two AI centers in Abu Dhabi

As Microsoft pursues its ongoing global growth in artificial intelligence, the company announced today it will create two AI centers in Abu Dhabi to assist in advancing the AI technology field.

On April 16, Microsoft stated in a news release announcing a collaboration with G42, a UAE-based AI technology holding company, that Microsoft would provide an investment of $1.5 billion in G42 to help speed the development of AI technologies and provide greater access to these technologies globally.

On September 17, Microsoft announced that it will create two additional AI centers in Abu Dhabi to continue its pursuit of this strategy.

Microsoft to Create Two New AI Centers in Abu Dhabi

According to the company’s announcement, Microsoft’s first AI center will be created in cooperation with G42. Microsoft reported that the creation of this first AI center was supported by the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), which is the governing body responsible for creating AI policy within the UAE.

On January 23rd, the President of the UAE announced the formation of the AIATC in order to create the policies regarding investments, research, and infrastructure in the area of AI technology; as well as to collaborate with both national and international partners to identify research initiatives and develop strategic plans to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position in the world of AI.

In addition, according to Microsoft, the primary objective of the first AI center will be to identify, develop, and advance “best practices” and “industry standards” for the responsible use of AI in both the Middle East and the Global South.

In addition, Microsoft stated that the second AI center will serve as the Abu Dhabi location of its AI for Good Research Lab. This center will provide funding for AI projects that are directed toward addressing key “societal goals.”

Through the development of the AI centers, Microsoft hopes to have the opportunity to develop the policies and regulations regarding the design and utilization of AI-powered applications. In addition, Microsoft hopes to create guidelines regarding digital safety and cybersecurity related to the training and deployment of AI models, as well as the development of the processes needed to “harden AI systems against probing, testing, and attacks.”

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Microsoft’s global AI expansion

In addition to the UAE, Microsoft has committed to investing in several other areas of the world to promote the development of AI technologies. The company has indicated it intends to commit €3.2 billion (approximately $3.44 billion USD) to the development of AI infrastructure in Germany.

Additionally, on February 20th, Microsoft made a similar commitment in Spain when the company indicated it would invest $2 billion in Spain to create data centers and to develop AI and cloud infrastructure.

On April 9th, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman stated that Microsoft planned to make long-term commitments to the UK.