Microsoft invests $1.5 billion in new AI centers in Abu Dhabi

Microsoft is set to open two new artificial intelligence (AI) centers in Abu Dhabi as part of its efforts to expand AI capabilities worldwide.

This initiative follows a $1.5 billion investment in G42, an AI-focused tech company based in the United Arab Emirates, announced in April.

The collaboration aims to accelerate AI development and make the technology more accessible on a global scale.

The first AI center will be developed in partnership with G42 and is backed by Abu Dhabi’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC).

Established by the UAE's president, AIATC is responsible for setting AI policies, research, and infrastructure in the region.

This center will focus on creating and promoting industry standards for the responsible use of AI in the Middle East and the Global South, addressing ethical concerns and promoting best practices in AI technologies.

The second AI center will extend Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab, supporting projects that address key societal issues.

This center will work on AI initiatives designed to benefit communities and ensure that technological advancements align with societal needs.

Both centers will contribute to developing policies that govern AI applications, with a focus on digital safety, cybersecurity, and enhancing AI systems to withstand vulnerabilities such as probing, testing, and cyberattacks.

Microsoft's expansion into the UAE is part of a broader strategy to bolster its global AI presence.

Earlier this year, the company announced substantial investments in other regions to develop AI infrastructure, including $3.44 billion in Germany and $2 billion in Spain, along with plans for long-term investments in the United Kingdom.