Microsoft, BlackRock, Nvidia team up with UAE on AI fund
Microsoft and G42 will open development centers in Abu Dhabi for "responsible" AI initiatives amid U.S. concerns about the UAE's China ties
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock (Getty Images)
The UAE is teaming up with Microsoft, Nvidia and BlackRock to build data centers with the enormous heft to develop artificial intelligence technology and establish guardrails to protect trade secrets from leaking.
The financial partnership, which BlackRock is launching with its new infrastructure investment unit, Global Infrastructure Partners, would be one of the biggest investment vehicles ever raised on Wall Street, the Financial Times reports.
Microsoft and Mubadala-backed investment company MGX are general partners in the fund while AI chipmaker Nvidia will advise on factory design and integration, according to the FT.
Microsoft and UAE government-owned G42, meanwhile, said they will open two development centers in Abu Dhabi to work on “responsible” AI initiatives. The move comes amid U.S. concerns about deepening Gulf-China ties and potential tech transfers to Beijing.