Brief
February 2025
UAE and US Lead on Responsible AI and Next-Gen Innovation
Abu Dhabi’s G42, Microsoft and MBZUAI launched the Responsible AI Foundation to set global standards in energy, health and finance. Microsoft’s AI tour showcased UAE breakthroughs, while MGX considered backing US-based Anthropic’s $3.5B funding round. Meanwhile, REGENT and Abu Dhabi’s SDF advanced a joint venture to manufacture all-electric seagliders for regional and global markets.
1 big thing: UAE’s MGX May Back US-Based Anthropic’s $3.5B Funding Round
Abu Dhabi’s MGX is weighing participation in Anthropic’s $3.5B Series E round, which would push the US startup’s valuation to $61.5B. Backers already include Lightspeed, General Catalyst, and Bessemer. Anthropic, creator of the Claude chatbot, is one of the few US AI companies positioned to rival OpenAI.
MGX’s investment would further solidify the UAE–US AI partnership, building on the UAE’s track record of supporting American AI leaders like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Databricks. The deal signals how sovereign capital from Abu Dhabi is helping fuel US AI innovation at scale.
Why it matters
- MGX participation strengthens UAE–US ties in AI leadership.
- The deal brings deep-pocketed capital to support critical US AI innovation.
- This move aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to partner with American firms at the heart of the AI race.
Additional stories shaping the UAE–US economic partnership:
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft’s global AI tour kicked off in Dubai, featuring innovative AI solutions across sectors like government, education, energy, finance and retail.
Highlights included Abu Dhabi’s AI‑powered TAMM platform, Alef Education's AI tutor, DEWA’s Copilot agents, FAB’s AI wealth advisor and Al‑Futtaim’s Blue AI app.
Artificial Intelligence
At the UAE Embassy in Paris, G42, Microsoft and MBZUAI announced the Responsible AI Foundation to promote ethical AI governance in the Middle East and the Global South.
The foundation will employ 15 research professors from MBZUAI and produce domain-specific guidelines for energy, finance and health—sectors central to UAE-US strategic collaboration.
Advanced Manufacturing
REGENT Craft and Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Development Fund (SDF) have signed an initial agreement to establish a joint venture in the UAE to manufacture and service all‑electric seagliders.
Pending regulatory approval, the venture will boost local supply chains and serve markets across the Middle East, Africa and beyond