OpenAI and G42 Unite for Middle East AI Expansion

OpenAI, renowned for its AI chatbot ChatGPT, has teamed up with Dubai’s G42, a technology holding group, in a strategic partnership unveiled on October 18. The primary goal is to advance AI capabilities within the Middle East region.

Leveraging AI in Key Sectors

Both companies aim to harness OpenAI’s generative AI models in sectors aligned with G42’s expertise, such as financial services, energy, healthcare, and public services. This collaboration is set to streamline the integration of advanced AI capabilities into existing businesses for organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other regions employing G42’s business solutions.

Enhancing AI Infrastructure

G42 intends to allocate its substantial AI infrastructure capacity to support OpenAI’s local and regional inferencing on Microsoft Azure data centers, further fortifying their AI capabilities in the region.

Sam Altman’s Perspective

Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, highlighted the potential of G42’s industry connections in facilitating the development of AI solutions tailored to the nuances of the Middle East region. He emphasized that this partnership will contribute to the global advancement of generative AI.

Middle East AI Developments

This announcement follows a significant development in Saudi Arabia, where a local university joined forces with Chinese universities to create an Arabic-based AI system, AceGPT. This AI assistant for Arabic speakers answers queries in Arabic, underscoring the regional focus on AI innovation.

US Export Controls and AI Chips

In the backdrop of these collaborations, there is growing scrutiny by U.S. regulators regarding the destination of AI semiconductor chip exports, including the Middle East. Concerns prompted the addition of “some Middle Eastern countries” to the list of regions where AI chip manufacturers like Nvidia and AMD are required to restrict exports.

While there were reports of potential export restrictions, U.S. regulators ultimately denied blocking exports to the Middle East. However, they expanded licensing requirements for advanced chip exports to encompass “all 22 countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes.” This expansion includes Middle Eastern nations such as Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon, alongside the primary focus on China.