Microsoft and G42 launch groundbreaking “Responsible AI” foundation in Abu Dhabi

Microsoft and G42, a leading UAE artificial intelligence company, have launched the first-ever Responsible AI Foundation in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in ethical AI development for the Middle East and Global South The announcement, made during the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, builds upon Microsoft’s substantial $1.5 billion investment in G42 from April 2024.

Microsoft and G42 foundation structure and goals

The Abu Dhabi-based initiative brings together three powerhouse organizations: Microsoft, G42, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The foundation will focus on two primary areas: responsible AI research and implementation governance.

The research arm will advance both technical and ethical elements of AI development, including:

• AI safety methodologies
• Bias mitigation techniques
• Explainability tools
• Collaboration with global research institutions

The governance aspect will concentrate on developing comprehensive frameworks for ethical AI deployment, incorporating:

• Risk assessment models
• External ethics boards
• Technical audit tools
• Culturally-aware governance guidelines

AI resource expansion

In conjunction with the foundation’s launch, Microsoft announced the expansion of its AI for Good Lab to Abu Dhabi. The first batch of researchers will begin their work in March, focusing on using AI to address challenges specific to the Middle East and Global South.

Strategic significance

The establishment of this foundation represents a crucial step in positioning the UAE as a global hub for responsible AI development. The initiative follows recent strategic moves in the region, including the UAE’s collaboration with France on a major AI campus project worth up to $50 billion.

Laura Haaber Ihle, appointed as vice president of governance, policy and ethics, emphasized the foundation’s unique position, stating that the investment and resources committed to practical responsible AI implementation are unparalleled in the industry.