G42 and Microsoft have launched the Middle East’s first Responsible AI Foundation to develop responsible AI frameworks, advance research and set global standards, with support from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The initiative aims to promote responsible AI development across the Middle East and the Global South.
G42 subsidiary Inception will lead the foundation’s programmes, while Microsoft expands its AI for Good Lab to Abu Dhabi to collaborate on regional projects addressing societal challenges. The lab will work with NGOs and governments, with the first researchers set to begin in March 2025.
The Responsible AI Foundation will prioritise two key areas:
- Research and innovation: Advancing AI safety, bias mitigation, and explainability tools through collaborations with global research institutions. It will set new standards for AI fairness, transparency and accountability across diverse markets.
- Implementation and governance: Developing adaptable governance frameworks tailored to regional and cultural needs. The foundation will design risk assessment models, external ethics boards, and technical audits to oversee AI deployment in line with ethical guidelines.
Microsoft’s expanded role
Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab outpost in Abu Dhabi will focus on leveraging AI solutions to tackle regional challenges. The initiative builds on Microsoft’s existing AI for Good programme, which partners with organisations globally to address critical societal needs using AI-driven solutions.
