The UAE and France have teamed up for an AI investment partnership, aiming to boost talent development and create semiconductors. This collaboration seeks to develop and deploy AI in key sectors, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
The partnership was formalized through an agreement between the Abu Dhabi AI and Advanced Technology Council and France’s Ministry of Economy. Subsequently, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, a member of AIATC and group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, and Bruno Le Maire, France’s Minister of Economy, signed the agreement.
This collaboration covers infrastructure for data centres, supercomputers, Artificial intelligence training, cloud and data services. It creates opportunities for Artificial intelligence applications in sectors like health, finance, software, retail, and industry. Additionally, Mr Le Maire highlighted the partnership as a “win-win” for both nations, aiming to boost economic cooperation.
The UAE and France view AI as a game-changer. They aspire to attract top scientists, researchers, and students in AI. Skill development will partly occur at the Abu Dhabi campus of France’s Sorbonne University. The partnership will also focus on creating and producing chips for AI applications, leveraging Mubadala’s stake in US-based GlobalFoundries.
The UAE aims to become a global AI leader, continually tapping into new technologies for future economic and societal growth. In April, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion investment in Abu Dhabi AI leader G42. Mubadala also plans significant investments in artificial intelligence across key geographies, as revealed at the Investopia conference. Additionally, In March, Abu Dhabi established MGX, a new technology investment company, to expedite AI and advanced technology development. Mubadala and G42 are foundational partners.
Trade between the UAE and France hit €7 billion ($7.6 billion) in 2023, with expectations for further growth. This deepening of investment and trade ties aims to make Artificial intelligence a catalyst for better productivity, improved help for people, and an enhanced quality of life.