Microsoft Invests $1.5 Billion in UAE’s G42, Will Get Board Seat

Microsoft Corp. will invest $1.5 billion in the United Arab Emirates’ top artificial intelligence firm, G42, after the Abu Dhabi-based company worked out an unusual deal with the US government to end any cooperation with China.

The agreement follows behind-the-scenes negotiations between the US government and the Middle Eastern firm, in which G42 agreed to divest from China and pivot to American technology. G42, a leader in the UAE’s push into AI, had come under scrutiny for alleged ties to blacklisted Chinese companies and its government.