Abu Dhabi in landmark AI-cloud partnership with Microsoft, G42

Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Government has signed a major multi-year agreement with Microsoft and Core42, a G42 company, to implement a sovereign cloud system that will drive the emirate’s digital transformation and AI adoption.

The partnership aims to enhance government efficiency by enabling a high-performance cloud computing environment capable of processing over 11 million daily digital interactions. The agreement was signed in the presence of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority.

Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), signed the agreement alongside Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella and G42 Group CEO Peng Xiao.

Abu Dhabi’s goal is to become the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027. The initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, backed by a Dh13 billion ($3.54 billion) investment in digital infrastructure. The strategy includes deploying over 200 AI-powered solutions to streamline public services and improve operational efficiency.

“This partnership is a critical milestone in our digital transformation. By integrating Microsoft's cloud technologies with G42's AI expertise, we are creating a powerful platform that will redefine government services,” Ahmed Al Kuttab said.

Satya Nadella emphasized the global significance of the initiative, stating, “AI will transform how governments operate, and Abu Dhabi is leading the way. This partnership sets a standard for AI adoption in the public sector.”

Among the key innovations is TAMM 3.0, Abu Dhabi’s government services app, which has already reduced offline customer visits by 90% and made over 73% of transactions instantaneous.

Peng Xiao highlighted the importance of data sovereignty, saying, “Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud, powered by Azure, ensures government entities maintain data security while leveraging cutting-edge AI innovation.”

The agreement marks a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to building a future-ready government driven by AI and cloud technologies.