Microsoft-backed G42 sets up Europe unit in UK

Abu Dhabi-based AI company G42 has launched a European unit, G42 Europe & UK, headquartered in London.

This move aligns with the UAE’s strategy to expand its technological and AI footprint in Europe.

The new unit will focus on implementing AI solutions for the private sector and collaborating with governments and industries to develop critical infrastructure.

It will be co-chaired by Marty Edelman, G42’s group general counsel, and Omar Mir, an international board member at World Wide Technology Inc.

Microsoft-backed G42 recently partnered with Nvidia to build data centers using Nvidia’s new Blackwell processors. This could boost access to advanced semiconductors in the UAE.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ UAE’s strategic AI investment journey shows long-term vision now bearing fruit

G42’s European expansion represents the culmination of the UAE’s methodical approach to AI development that began years ago, not a sudden initiative.

The UAE was notably the first country to create a dedicated ministry for artificial intelligence, launching its national AI strategy back in 2017 to systematically build technological capabilities 1.

This early commitment has already shown impressive results, with Dubai alone attracting over $21 billion in foreign direct investment for AI and robotics between 2015-2018, with European Union countries contributing $5.7 billion of that total 2.

The PwC economic analysis predicts AI could contribute up to 14% of UAE’s GDP by 2030, potentially the highest relative impact in the Middle East region, demonstrating why the country continues to prioritize these investments 3.

G42’s European headquarters in London builds on this foundation, extending the UAE’s AI ecosystem into key European markets while leveraging relationships built through years of strategic investment.

2️⃣ UAE deploys coordinated multi-billion dollar European investment strategy

G42’s European expansion is part of a broader pattern of massive UAE investment commitments across the continent that demonstrates a coordinated economic diplomacy approach.

The UAE has recently pledged $52 billion for French data centers and $40 billion across multiple Italian sectors including AI, defense, and energy infrastructure, establishing deep economic ties with major EU economies 4.