The Abu Dhabi government on Tuesday announced the signing of an agreement with Microsoft and Core42 to enhance the efficiency of government services in the digital sphere.
The agreement between the Department of Government Empowerment, Microsoft, and Core42 was signed in the presence of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and member of the Council for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology.
It was signed by Ahmed Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Empowerment – Abu Dhabi, Satya Nadella, Chairman and chief executive of Microsoft, and Peng Xiao, chief executive of Group 42, the parent company of Core42, which specialises in sovereign cloud technology, artificial intelligence and digital services.
The partnership will establish high-performance cloud software capable of processing more than 11 million digital transactions per day between government entities, citizens, residents and businesses.
Microsoft's UAE general manager Naim Yazbeck reflected on the significance of the announcement.
"Digital transformation and innovation are indispensable to creating modern, citizen centric governments," he told The National.
"Together, we are committed to supporting the Abu Dhabi government in enhancing public services, engaging with citizens, and making data-driven decisions to achieve better societal outcomes."
Mr Yazbeck added that by using advanced technologies in a secure and responsible manner, many people and organisations throughout the UAE will be empowered "to achieve more."
Leading the AI revolution
The Abu Dhabi government aims to be the first government in the world to fully rely on artificial intelligence by 2027, aiming to automate 100 per cent of its government operations, supported by Dh13 million investment in digital infrastructure. The strategy will put into effect more than 200 AI-powered solutions to improve government service delivery, enhance productivity and contribute to environmental sustainability.
“Technology has the power to transform how governments interact with people, making services more efficient, intuitive and impactful," Mr Al Kuttab said. "This partnership is a critical milestone in our digital transformation. By combining Microsoft's cloud technologies, G42's AI expertise, and the government’s strategic vision, we are helping to enable a powerful platform that will redefine government services."
"Artificial intelligence will push the boundaries and capabilities of government work and serve its communities everywhere around the world," Satya Nadella, chief executive and chairman of Microsoft, said. "Abu Dhabi is a pioneer in this field. Through our partnership with the Department of Government Empowerment and Group 42, we are setting new standards for adopting artificial intelligence in the government sector and supporting Abu Dhabi's efforts to become the world's first AI-powered government."
US visit points to the future
It comes after Sheikh Tahnoon met Trump administration officials and business leaders on Monday at the White House for discussions on artificial intelligence, economic co-operation and investment partnerships. During the visit, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Yousef Al Otaiba, Minister of State and the UAE's ambassador to the US, also met US Vice President JD Vance.
They met with Mr Vance “to discuss deepening UAE-US collaboration on supporting energy investment and abundance, technological leadership, and unleashing unprecedented economic growth”, the UAE embassy in the US said in a post on X. Mr Al Otaiba said that the UAE was looking to expand its significant investment in the US and grow its technology partnership with the country in AI, advanced technology, energy, infrastructure and life sciences.
“The US remains our key partner in these and other areas,” the post on X read. “We have ambitious plans to do even more in and with the US.”
Sheikh Tahnoon meeting tech execs – in pictures
