Why the UAE digital and AI agenda hinges on public-private partnerships

Landmark collaboration in AI and cloud innovation: Core42, a sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure provider under G42, has partnered with semiconductor giant AMD to advance AI and machine learning solutions while exploring confidential compute technology for cloud deployments.

• The agreement, signed at Gitex Global 2024 in Dubai, aims to conduct a proof-of-concept evaluation of AMD Instinct accelerators using Core42’s production workloads.
• This collaboration is expected to showcase the performance of AMD’s GPUs in real-world scenarios, particularly in enhancing AI-driven services within sovereign cloud environments.
• The partnership is seen as a significant step in driving innovation in cloud services, especially in the MENA region.

Strategic importance for UAE’s digital agenda: The collaboration between Core42 and AMD aligns with the UAE’s ambitious digital transformation goals and its positioning as a hub for AI development and cloud technology.

• Zaid Ghattas, AMD’s META Senior Commercial Lead, emphasized the vital role of public-private collaborations in delivering on the UAE’s digital agenda.
• Core42’s role in equipping organizations with infrastructure for AI, Machine Learning, and predictive analytics is reinforced through this strategic partnership.
• For AMD, this collaboration presents an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of its AI accelerator portfolio in a market where investment in AI and high-performance computing is growing rapidly.

Focus on data privacy and security: The partnership places a strong emphasis on addressing the increasing demand for secure, compliant cloud infrastructures, particularly in regions with strict data sovereignty regulations.

• The exploration of confidential computing technology aims to ensure data privacy as more organizations adopt cloud-based solutions for sensitive workloads.
• This focus on security is timely, given the growing importance of sovereign cloud infrastructure and AI in the Middle East.
• By partnering with AMD, Core42 can enhance its AI capabilities while providing customers with more powerful, scalable, and secure infrastructure.

Implications for regional cloud services: The collaboration between Core42 and AMD signals a promising future for cloud services in the region, with AI, machine learning, and confidential computing at its core.

• As organizations seek to harness AI power while maintaining strict control over their data, the need for localized cloud services equipped with cutting-edge technology becomes increasingly crucial.
• The partnership is expected to deliver solutions that meet the specific needs of organizations in the region, balancing innovation with data sovereignty requirements.
• This collaboration underscores the region’s ambition to be at the forefront of digital transformation, potentially attracting more investment and partnerships in the tech sector.

Broader impact on the tech landscape: The agreement between Core42 and AMD, unveiled at Gitex Global 2024, marks the beginning of a new era for AI and cloud technology in the UAE and beyond.

• The collaboration may inspire similar partnerships in the region, fostering a more competitive and innovative tech ecosystem.
• It could accelerate the adoption of AI and advanced cloud technologies across various sectors in the Middle East, driving economic growth and digital transformation.
• The success of this partnership could position the UAE as a global leader in sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure, attracting talent and further investment in the tech industry.