In today’s world, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the heart of global power struggles. The recent appointment of the prime minister dedicated to developing AI strategy raises critical questions about global technology rivalries.
In April, Microsoft made waves by announcing a $1.5 billion investment in G42, an AI group based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), chaired by an influential member of the ruling royal family. The strategic move comes as the Biden administration seeks to limit Beijing’s influence in the region in order to maintain the US’ lead over China in the AI race.
Microsoft’s partnership with G42 places the company firmly under US influence. The alliance demonstrates the willingness of the UAE and the US to cooperate in advancing technology development, as UAE AI Minister Omar Al Olama highlighted in a recent video interview with CNN. It speaks to a shared vision between the two countries to advance technology and provides for enhanced cooperation in the future.
G42, a holding company of seven companies active in sectors such as data centers, energy, healthcare, surveillance and biotechnology, is controlled by Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the UAE’s National Security Advisor. This strategic partnership is part of the UAE’s drive to diversify its economy and become a global leader in AI by 2031.
The UAE’s goal is clear: to become a major player in AI on an international scale. The country has defined a national strategy aimed at deploying AI in priority sectors such as energy and logistics, developing an ecosystem conducive to innovation and attracting talent from around the world. By focusing on training civil servants in AI and offering apprenticeship programs to citizens, the UAE is affirming its ambition to become a global AI hub.
However, this strategy is not without challenges. The UAE has had to make difficult choices at times to preserve its relationship with the United States, particularly in the face of its relationships with actors such as China. The US political pressure on G42’s ties to Chinese companies and Microsoft’s demands to end collaborations with Chinese suppliers in favor of American companies are concrete examples.
In this complex geopolitical context, the United States places particular importance on its leadership in AI, which is seen as a critical issue for its future economy and national security. Measures such as strengthening export controls on AI and semiconductor technologies are aimed at curbing China’s advance in the sector..
In this way, the alliance between Microsoft and G42 reflects the geopolitical and technological stakes of our time, highlighting the rivalries and alliances that are emerging in the race for AI. The choices made by key players, such as the United States and the UAE, are shaping the future of AI and raising essential questions about technological sovereignty, international cooperation and global power relations.
In this frantic quest to dominate the artificial intelligence sector, the decisions made by key players will have a major impact on the future of this technology and on the dynamics of power on a global scale. Strategic alliances, economic rivalries and national security issues are intertwined in a complex game where every move counts and where AI is proving to be much more than just a technology, but a real geostrategic issue of the 21st century.