G42, the UAE’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing company, is highlighting its vision for the future of AI with the unveiling of its “Intelligence Grid” at GITEX 2024. In an exclusive interview, Giacomo Ziani, VP of Corporate Marketing & Communications, G42, described their ambition to make AI as integral to daily life as electricity, emphasizing the company’s role as a national champion of AI for the UAE.
AI as the Next Super Utility: The Intelligence Grid
“The core theme of our showcase this year is the home of the intelligence grid,” said Ziani. “We see AI as the next super utility, similar to electricity. The intelligence grid can be thought of as the electrical grid of the 21st century, and G42 plays an integral role in bringing this to life.”
The intelligence grid represents a cohesive ecosystem, where G42’s businesses deliver AI-powered solutions across industries, from healthcare and energy to smart mobility and financial services. “From building data centers to delivering cloud computing and cybersecurity solutions, we have created this immersive experience at GITEX to demonstrate how the intelligence grid connects our entire ecosystem.”
Welcome to the Home of the Intelligence Grid at @GITEX_GLOBAL!
We’re excited to invite you to join us in Hall 6, Stand B40 at Dubai World Trade Center, where we’ll be showcasing how AI and advanced technologies are transforming the present and future of every industry.… pic.twitter.com/ldkwB6ZTq7
— G42 (@G42ai) October 8, 2024
AI-Powered vs. AI-Enabled: G42’s Strategic Role in the UAE’s AI Vision
As AI continues to transform industries, Ziani noted that G42 is at the forefront of delivering AI-powered solutions that drive intelligence and data-driven insights. “We operate across the entire AI value chain, from the foundational layers like data centers to the specialized AI models and services,” he explained. “Through our work, we enable industries to leverage the full potential of AI and provide AI-powered solutions that help businesses extract intelligence from the data they generate.”
Ziani further emphasized G42’s pivotal role in fulfilling the UAE’s AI vision. “We are contributing to the country’s strategic objectives by creating an infrastructure that allows industries to harness the power of AI effectively.”
Sustainable Data Centers and AI Innovation
A key challenge for the AI industry is the energy consumption of data centers, which power AI innovation. Ziani acknowledged this concern and highlighted G42’s commitment to sustainability. “We pride ourselves on having some of the most environmentally friendly data centers in the world, through our subsidiary Khazna. Some of our facilities are solar-powered, and we are piloting biofuel solutions.”
He also shared a major initiative in Kenya, where G42, in partnership with Microsoft, will build one-gigawatt data centers entirely powered by geothermal energy. “We are striking a balance between pushing AI advancements and creating energy solutions that are sustainable and environmentally friendly,” Ziani said.
We are excited to announce a $1.5 billion investment from @Microsoft in G42, marking a significant step forward in our journey to lead in #AI innovation globally. pic.twitter.com/XJ0Q4WiZta
— G42 (@G42ai) April 16, 2024
The Cost of Sustainability in AI
When asked about the financial burden of ensuring sustainable AI innovation, Ziani provided a refreshing perspective: “There’s a bigger cost associated with us not trying to be sustainable.” He explained that G42’s AI solutions, such as smart grid technologies, are helping both G42 and its clients reduce energy consumption while maintaining profitability. “It’s a win-win situation. Organizations benefit from cost savings while reducing their carbon footprint.”
The Intelligence Grid: Delivering Intelligence, Not Just Power
Ziani explained that the Intelligence Grid is more than just an infrastructure; it is a scalable system that delivers AI-powered intelligence across industries. “It’s not about the grid being intelligent, it’s about the grid delivering intelligence. Similar to how the electrical grid delivers electricity, the Intelligence Grid distributes AI capabilities from physical infrastructure like data centers to digital layers such as the cloud and cybersecurity.”
According to Ziani, this framework enables G42 to deliver AI solutions tailored to industries ranging from healthcare and energy to finance and mobility. “Our grid allows nations, organizations, and individuals to access and benefit from AI-powered intelligence at the end of the value chain.”
G42’s showcase at GITEX 2024 demonstrates its position as a leader in AI and its commitment to both innovation and sustainability. With the Intelligence Grid, G42 is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI not just in the UAE, but globally. As AI becomes the next super utility, G42’s comprehensive ecosystem will be essential in delivering intelligence to industries and individuals alike.
As Ziani concluded he reiterated G42’s overarching vision. “We are not just advancing AI; we are building the infrastructure to support the AI-driven future.”
