The UAE and France have forged a significant agreement to expedite the advancement of AI in both nations and positively impact the global AI ecosystem.

This partnership, led by the Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) and the French Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, will involve collaborative investments in AI startups, cutting-edge hardware development, and essential talent pipelines.

The partnership between the two nations encompasses various focus areas. Firstly, both parties will investigate opportunities to invest in AI-focused startups and investment funds, prioritizing practical applications within healthcare, finance, and other pivotal sectors. 

Secondly, the agreement will delve into joint production of semiconductors, particularly those tailored for AI applications, to bolster hardware development. Lastly, the partnership will initiate collaborative AI training programs to cultivate talent within both countries.

Beyond financial support, the partnership aims to establish data centers and enhance supercomputing infrastructure, signaling a sustained commitment to constructing strong AI foundations.

This collaboration also emerges amid a worldwide competition to lead in AI. The UAE’s initiative follows recent investments by Microsoft in Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42, underscoring Emirati aspirations in the field.

G42 has actively pursued partnerships, including collaborating with Qualcomm to integrate AI solutions. Similarly, another UAE-based AI firm, Presight AI Holding, has joined forces with Intel to expedite AI project development in the region.