Microsoft is establishing an engineering centre in Abu Dhabi with an emphasis on AI innovations, cloud technologies, and cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions following the announcement of a USD 1.05 billion strategic investment in the UAE government-backed AI company G42.
The goal of Microsoft’s Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the Arab world, is to develop innovative technologies locally.
“Abu Dhabi’s advanced digital and physical infrastructure, combined with the UAE’s strategic location at the heart of the world, allows us to drive positive, far-reaching impacts across industries and societies alike,” stated Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
“The Abu Dhabi centre will help spur innovation that will propel economic growth and job creation for the UAE and the rest of the world,” according to Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft.
Microsoft and G42 announced that they would establish two centres in Abu Dhabi to work on “responsible” artificial intelligence initiatives. The centres will be used to develop, deploy, and use “generative AI models and applications” in a safe manner.
Additionally, Microsoft, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and the state-backed Mubadala and G42 founded MGX, an Abu Dhabi-based technology investment company, to form an AI infrastructure investment partnership to raise USD 100 billion to advance artificial intelligence.
In the UAE, artificial intelligence might boost GDP by 13.6% by 2030, or USD 96 billion, according to a PwC Middle East report.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is planning to combine its Xbox Game Pass and Xbox mobile apps into a single application soon.
The software maker is testing a new version of the Xbox app for iOS and Android this week that includes features from the separate Xbox Game Pass app.
The new Xbox app will now include the Game Pass integration alongside party chat, text chat, access to game captures, and the ability to remote install or remote play games.