Microsoft and G42 have announced two major projects aimed at promoting responsible AI use after months of Microsoft's $1.5 billion investment in G42, the Abu Dhabi based AI and cloud company. The first initiative is a joint centre funded by both companies that will focus on developing best practices and industry standards for ethical AI use across the Middle East and Global South. Supported by Abu Dhabi's Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, the centre will bring together academic researchers and AI practitioners to collaborate on these initiatives.

Microsoft is also launching AI for Good Lab in Abu Dhabi, its first centre in Middle East. This lab is part of a global initiative started in 2022 which will focus on using AI to address significant economic and societal challenges such as environmental conservation, food security, clean energy, and healthcare. The Abu Dhabi lab will also work with Microsoft’s Nairobi team to develop large language models (LLMs) for underrepresented languages, addressing concerns about the dominance of English in AI technology.

Both companies emphasize the importance of safe, transparent, and accountable AI development to prevent misuse and ensure AI benefits society.

G42’s CEO Peng Xiao stressed the partnership goal of making Abu Dhabi a global hub for AI innovation, prioritizing safety and collaboration especially for the Global South.

The UAE has led in AI research with recent initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and joining the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group for AI safety and security and has plans to lead discussion about a hypothetical Global AI Watchdog System.

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