Cisco and UAE-based artificial intelligence company G42 have announced a collaboration to build large-scale AI infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates under the US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.
Under the plan, Cisco will supply and integrate AI infrastructure for G42 including computing, networking, storage, security and analytics systems. The setup will use AMD‘s MI350X GPUs and form part of G42’s regulated technology environment, a framework designed to ensure secure and compliant operation of advanced computing systems.
The infrastructure will support AI workloads across sectors such as energy, healthcare, telecommunications and defence. Cisco will act as the technology integrator ensuring the systems meet the required security and governance standards to prevent unauthorised access or data transfer.
The collaboration builds on joint projects between the two countries under the AI Acceleration Partnership including the 1GW Stargate UAE cluster in Abu Dhabi and the 5GW UAE–US AI technology campus announced earlier this year.
Cisco engagement in UAE’s digital initiatives
Cisco said the partnership represents its continued engagement in the UAE’s digital initiatives focusing on building secure and reliable AI infrastructure.
“This collaboration strengthens the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership and underscores Cisco’s role in the UAE’s digital transformation journey. Together, we are building the foundation for a future driven by responsible and impactful innovation,” stated Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins.
According to Cisco’s research, 92 per cent of organisations in the UAE plan to deploy AI tools but only 25 per cent currently have adequate GPU infrastructure. The partnership seeks to address this gap by expanding computing capacity in the region.
G42 Group CEO Peng Xiao said the collaboration reflects “deepening trust and technological alignment” between the US and UAE and aims to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities.
The deployment will include Cisco UCS 885A servers with AMD MI350X GPUs, Nexus 9K 800G switches, Firepower 4200 security systems and management tools such as Nexus Dashboard and Intersight.
Both companies said they are working with US government agencies to obtain the necessary licences and approvals before beginning implementation.
