UAE's Sovereign Cloud Ambitions Strengthened by Microsoft-Core42 Alliance
Microsoft and Core42, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based G42, have formalised a multi-year agreement with the Abu Dhabi Government to implement a sovereign cloud infrastructure. This initiative aims to process over 11 million daily digital interactions across government entities, citizens, and businesses, aligning with the UAE's $3.54 billion digital strategy for 2025–2027.
The collaboration leverages Core42's Sovereign Public Cloud, powered by Microsoft Azure and enhanced by the Insight platform, to ensure data sovereignty and regulatory compliance. This infrastructure is designed to support the UAE's goal of automating all government processes and deploying more than 200 AI-driven solutions to enhance public service efficiency.
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, emphasised the transformative potential of AI in government operations, stating that Abu Dhabi is setting a global standard for AI adoption in the public sector. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, highlighted that the partnership goes beyond technological advancement, representing a commitment to building a resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Man charged over Instagram bomb threat on Singapore–Abu Dhabi flight
A man has been charged with making a bomb threat on his Instagram account while onboard an Etihad flight earlier this year. Azim Shah Abubakar Shah, 22, was charged by a court in Singapore on Thursday and faces a prison sentence of up to seven years, as well as a fine of up to $50,000. "On 14 February 2025 at about 7.20pm, the police were alerted to a social media post containing a threat to blow up an aircraft," read a statement from the Singapore Police Force. "Through follow-up investigations, officers from the Airport Police Division established the identity of the man within an hour of the post and confirmed that he was onboard a flight bound for Abu Dhabi." The aircraft, which was preparing for take-off, was recalled to the terminal at Changi Airport where Mr Shah was then arrested. Police said their investigations showed he had written, 'No one here knows I'm going to blow the plane up', on his social media account, after he had boarded the aircraft. The police said the man was found to have no means to carry out his threat, with no dangerous items in his possession. In the past year, India has been hit with a wave of hoax bomb threats, including on flights to the Gulf, and elsewhere. None were found to be viable, but the disruption is estimated to have cost millions of dollars.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development delivers $59bn in global support, supports 107 countries
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has delivered $59bn in funding and supported 107 countries since it was founded, according to its 2024 Annual Report. The report highlights a landmark year in advancing the UAE's foreign aid strategy, promoting global sustainable development, and empowering local industries to thrive on the international stage. With a legacy rooted in the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ADFD's work in 2024 supported strategic growth across 107 countries, aligning with key national initiatives like UAE Centennial 2071, Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, and the UAE Export Development Policy. By the end of 2024, ADFD's cumulative development financing reached AED216.5bn ($59bn): AED157bn ($42.7bn) in concessional loans AED57.6bn ($15.7bn) in government grants AED1.9bn ($516m) in direct contributions Abu Dhabi Fund for Development These funds supported transformational projects in renewable energy, education, infrastructure, water security, transportation, technology, and housing—all aimed at uplifting partner nations and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ADFD continued to champion the national economy, with the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) allocating AED4bn ($1.1bn) in financing to support UAE exports to over 40 global markets. Additionally, AED6bn ($1.6bn) was earmarked to help 19 Emirati companies deliver vital projects across eight countries, boosting local enterprise while expanding global influence. The Fund recorded AED12.2bn ($3.3bn) in total investments across 22 countries, currently supporting 17 companies in priority sectors. These investments are catalysing job creation and sustainable economic growth in emerging markets. ADFD's renewable energy work in the Pacific and Caribbean earned it the prestigious 2024 United Nations Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Partnerships Award—a first for any institution in the Middle East and North Africa. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of ADFD's Board of Directors, said: 'Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan believed that the essence of civilised progress is measured by the value of the individual and their good deeds, whose impact lasts a lifetime. 'This philosophy formed the foundation upon which Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) was established in 1971, transforming it into a developmental institution that embodies the values of the UAE and a shining beacon spreading its sustainable impact around the world. 'The Fund plays an exceptional role in supporting the UAE's foreign aid policy, which is based on principles of development and achieving economic and social stability in developing countries. 'Additionally, it strengthens partnerships with international and regional organisations to establish a sustainable developmental impact, reflecting the UAE's position as a global force driving sustainable development'. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Vice Chairman of ADFD's Board of Directors, said: 'ADFD continues to achieve more milestones, using its developmental and economic tools to enhance the UAE's position regionally and internationally, solidifying its role as an active and influential global player. 'Thanks to the visionary of the leadership, the Fund has become a pioneering model in adopting a strategic approach to financing vital projects that create a lasting impact and contribute to supporting the developmental programs of developing nations to meet their aspirations and strengthen their infrastructure and economies. 'In 2024, the Fund made exceptional efforts to help countries overcome their economic and social challenges, financing many major developmental projects with a sustainable impact in areas such as energy, water, infrastructure, education, , technology, food security, and other key sectors that contribute to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and improving the well-being of people'.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Harnessing AI to make energy poverty history: AEW 2025 to explore role of digitization and data
CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- With over 600 million people living without access to electricity and 900 million living without access to clean cooking solutions, Africa is faced with a dilemma: how to scale-up energy capacity while reducing project timelines. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and collaboration with global partners have emerged as key solutions to addressing this dilemma, offering energy producers the chance to modernize infrastructure, accelerate energy development and create more resilient energy systems across the continent. A panel discussion at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3, 2025 – will explore the impact AI solutions are playing in Africa. The session will delve into challenges faced by African countries, including data gaps, limited local expertise and regulatory barriers, while offering insights into how context-aware AI can make technology affordable and accessible. Participating speakers include representatives from S&P Global Commodity Insights and Microsoft Energy and Resources. The conversation will explore how technology can bridge the energy divide – paving the way for a more energy-secure, innovation-driven Africa. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. With the demand for electricity projected to more than triple in Africa by 2040, AI stands to play an instrumental role in optimizing energy production. Across traditional grid networks, AI can be leveraged to enhance the efficiency of energy systems, improve resource management while minimizing energy losses. AI also enables predictive maintenance, allowing utilities to identify equipment failures ahead of time. In addition to preventing unwarranted shutdowns, predictive maintenance significantly reduces costs. The Kenya Power and Lighting Company, for example, is utilizing AI-powered solutions and machine learning to detect power theft, optimize load distribution and manage power outages. This has resulted in a 30% reduction in energy losses. In June 2025, the company launched an Expression of Interest, inviting international firms to partner on the implementation of world-class IT solutions to further improve grid management, technology infrastructure and digitization. In South Africa, the state-utility Eskom is leveraging AI to monitor the national grid. Through the application of big data and AI in energy management, the utility seeks to optimize systems and cut unnecessary electricity use. Beyond grid management, AI is being utilized to expand energy access. Approximately 33% of Africa's population lives in rural or remote areas, and with the continent relying heavily on traditional grid systems, this has resulted in significant disparity with regards to equitable energy access. Through AI, Africa stands to address this challenge. AI-powered microgrids, for example, are playing a major part in providing access to electricity for underserved communities. Offering an alternative to grid-connected power, microgrids are context-specific, allowing access to power without the need for large-scale transmission networks. Recent projects highlight a growing commitment by international firms to expand microgrids in Africa. The Zambia Ruida Mining Microgrid Power Project was commissioned in 2025, representing the continent's largest single-unit microgrid for mining operations. SANY Silicon Energy launched Africa's largest single-unit hybrid microgrid for mining projects in South Africa in 2025, while PowerGen Renewable Energy is partnering with international investors to deploy over 120 MW of off-grid energy systems across the continent. Meanwhile, AI creates significant opportunities to propel a just energy transition in Africa, supporting renewable energy integration across grid networks. Through the deployment of smart grids and AI technology, utilities can balance fossil fuel generation with renewable integration, allowing African countries to utilize a variety of generation sources. Countries like Zimbabwe are actively integrating renewable energy into the national grid, seeking to diversify its power mix by incorporating both coal and renewable energy. Approximately 75MW of net-metered solar was added to the grid in February 2025, with goals to incorporate 2,100 MW of renewable energy by 2030. AI-powered technology and smart meters enable seamless integration, while addressing challenges associated with renewable energy intermittency. Stepping into this picture, the AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 panel discussion will bring together experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges for AI deployment in African energy. 'Addressing energy poverty in Africa requires innovative solutions. AI is not a foreign concept: it's a powerful local opportunity. By building AI tools that are rooted in African data, culture and needs, we can create a smarter energy ecosystem that works for all Africans,' NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
