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Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion Investment in Leading UAE Technology Firm. 'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join technology holding company G42's board of directors. The UAE's national security adviser, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the current chairman of G42's board of directors. In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft said the deal “was developed in close consultation with both the UAE and U.S. governments”. G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East and elsewhere, has built the world's leading Arabic-language AI model, Jais. According to Microsoft, G42 will move its AI applications and services over to the U.S. tech giant's cloud computing platform. The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure to regions that G42 has already established a presence, including the Middle East and Africa. 'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that the company was closely tied to the Chinese government. Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company reportedly faced allegations of spying for its connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware. The tech company also faced accusations that it gathered genetic material from U.S. users for the Chinese government. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT