Microsoft to open Global Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi
Microsoft to open Global Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi
New hub expands Microsoft's global AI, Cloud, and cybersecurity development
#UAE #softwaredevelopment - Microsoft yesterday announced that it will open a Global Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi, expanding its global footprint of software development centres, under the company’s strategy of globally shared development to build products and services for driving digital innovation. The announcement follows last week’s news that Microsoft will establish an AI for Good Lab, and a Responsible AI centre co-funded by G42 in the UAE capital. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion investment and partnership with G42, installing As Microsoft's vice chair and president, Brad Smith on the Abu Dhabi AI group’s board of directors.
SO WHAT? - Microsoft is a long-standing partner of G42, which is the main AI and data integrator and services provider for the Abu Dhabi government. G42 is relying heavily on Microsoft in its transition to replace its data infrastructure and cloud services (which include Chinese-origin technology) in order to allay US security concerns over unauthorised access to advanced technology. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in G42 signaled a significant deepening of the software giant’s partnership with the company. The recent announcements of joint G42-Microsoft deals and plans for new Microsoft cenres in Abu Dhabi all bear this out. However, these moves also signal a closer relationship for Microsoft with the Abu Dhabi government, across technology, services, talent development, R&D and investment.
Here are the key points from this week’s Microsoft announcement:
Microsoft has announced that it will open a Global Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi. The new centre joins a growing global ecosystem of shared development of AI, cloud technologies and cybersecurity solutions, which currently includes development centres in Egypt and India.
Microsoft will attract top tech talent from around the world to create global cutting-edge solutions in the UAE.
The Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi will also play a key role in advancing Microsoft’s efforts to upskill the local and regional workforce targeting both professionals and upcoming talent.
Microsoft’s centre will collaborate with local universities, training centres and government initiatives, particularly in the fields of cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity.
The Microsoft Engineering Development Centre announcement, follows announcements made last week to open an AI for Good Lab, and a Responsible AI centre in Abu Dhabi.
Read more related G42 and Microsoft news:
G42 & Microsoft prioritise responsible AI (Middle East AI News)
MGX joins consortium to invest in global AI infrastructure (Middle East AI News)
Microsoft & G42 announce $1b digital investment in Kenya (Middle East AI News)
Microsoft's $1.5b investment a pivotal moment for G42 (Middle East AI News)