G42 and Cisco join forces on AI infrastructure development
Collaboration aims to enhance G42's global AI deployment capabilities
#UAE #infrastructure - In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi-based AI powerhouse G42 has reached a strategic agreement with global networking and security leader Cisco. The collaboration aims to advance artificial intelligence innovation and infrastructure development across public and private sectors. The partnership will leverage Cisco's comprehensive secure AI portfolio and services alongside G42's regional presence and infrastructure expertise to support responsible AI deployment within the UAE and internationally, whilst developing reference architecture for high-performance computing environments.
SO WHAT? - The deal is indicative of a significant expansion of UAE's AI ambitions beyond regional boundaries by taking a lead role in building out AI infrastructure for some of its key trade partners. The G42-Cisco collaboration addresses a crucial challenge in AI adoption: building secure, scalable infrastructure that can handle computational demands of advanced AI systems. By developing reference architectures specifically designed for high-performance computing environments, the alliance aims to accelerate enterprise AI adoption while positioning the UAE as a critical node in the global AI ecosystem.
G42 and global networking and security leader Cisco. have signed a strategic agreement to advance AI infrastructure development across public and private sectors including the development of a reference architecture for high-performance computing environments.
witnessed by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the strategic agreement was signed by Chuck Robbins, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Cisco, and Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer of G42.
The strategic partnership will focus on a joint Go-to-Market initiative leveraging Cisco's AI-native solutions and G42's expanding global footprint to support the responsible diffusion of AI technologies within and beyond the UAE, creating new opportunities for both government and enterprise customers.
A key technical component involves developing reference architecture that integrates Cisco's networking, security, and infrastructure solutions specifically designed for high-performance computing, supporting customers in building AI-ready data centres and developing AI workloads effectively.
The meeting announcing the agreement was also attended by senior officials including HE Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement, and HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Crown Prince's Office.
As G42 deepens its role in shaping the global AI ecosystem, its strategic partnerships with US technology leaders like Cisco have become a key driver in advancing its vision for responsible AI development and deployment internationally.
ZOOM OUT - The UAE is committing billions of dollars in AI and digital infrastructure via foreign direct investment (FDI), soft loans and other bilateral trade agreements, with G42 Group providing much of the required technology and expertise. An AI infrastructure component is now built into many bilateral trade agreements with partner nations, both fast-tracking infrastructure development and creating opportunity for UAE technology providers. During the past two years, the UAE has committed to build out digital infrastructure in Azerbaijan, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]