Cisco and G42 are significantly expanding their strategic collaboration to deploy and manage advanced, secure artificial intelligence infrastructure in the UAE. This partnership is a cornerstone of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, focusing on building a high-performance, sovereign AI foundation to drive innovation and the region's digital economy.
Quick Intel
Cisco will power, connect, and secure a large-scale AI cluster for G42 using AMD's MI350X GPUs.
The initiative operates within G42's Regulated Technology Environment (RTE), ensuring gold-standard security and governance.
It is a flagship project under the broader US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.
The deployment addresses a critical gap, as only 25% of UAE organizations have robust GPU capacity for AI.
Cisco is acting as the technology integrator, providing a full-stack solution including compute, networking, and security.
The project reinforces the strategic technological alignment and deepening trust between the US and the UAE.
A Sovereign AI Infrastructure Blueprint
Cisco's role as the technology integrator involves deploying its complete, secure AI infrastructure portfolio. This includes Cisco UCS servers with AMD GPUs for compute, high-speed Nexus networking switches, Firepower firewalls for security, and management tools like Intersight. This end-to-end solution is designed to deliver scalable performance and unified management for the UAE's most demanding AI workloads, all within a tightly controlled environment.
Advancing Bilateral Goals Under the AI Acceleration Partnership
This collaboration is a direct implementation of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, building on major projects like the 1GW Stargate UAE cluster. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to responsible innovation. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, said: "This collaboration with Cisco represents the next phase of deepening trust and technological alignment between the US and UAE under the AI Acceleration Partnership. It reinforces our shared commitment to building high-performance, secure, sovereign and compliant AI infrastructure that enables global innovation while upholding the highest standards of governance."
Closing the Regional AI Readiness Gap
The partnership is strategically timed to address a clear market need. Recent Cisco research highlights that 92% of UAE organizations plan to deploy AI agents, but only a quarter have the necessary GPU infrastructure. This initiative aims to close that gap by providing the scalable and secure AI foundation required for widespread adoption and growth, turning regional AI ambition into tangible impact.
By combining Cisco's secure, end-to-end technology with G42's AI expertise and the RTE framework, this collaboration establishes a new benchmark for sovereign AI development. It accelerates the UAE's digital momentum and provides a trusted, high-performance platform for the next wave of AI-driven innovation.
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all.
G42 is a technology holding group and a global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence for a better tomorrow. Born in Abu Dhabi and operating worldwide, G42 champions AI as a powerful force for good across industries. From molecular biology to space exploration and everything in between, G42 realizes exponential possibilities today.
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