Abu Dhabi's G42 and US-based WWT launch Forge42 to position UAE as AI exporter

Initiative will allow companies to build export-ready technology in the Emirates

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, at the launch of Forge42 with Peng Xiao, group chief executive of G42, right, and Omar Mir, international board member of WWT, during the Make it in the Emirates forum in Abu Dhabi. Photo: G42Show less

Abu Dhabi-based technology group G42 has launched an artificial intelligence accelerator called Forge42, in partnership with World Wide Technology of the US, to help transform the UAE into an exporter of AI solutions.

The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday at the Make it in the Emirates forum, will enable companies to make prototypes, test and scale AI products across sectors including logistics, energy, manufacturing, health care and finance, according to a statement from G42.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, gives an opening speech on the first day of Make it in the Emirates 2025 at Adnec. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

The ROX automotive stand is pictured at the fourth Make it in the Emirates event, now under way at Adnec for four days

The Arbus flight stand attracts interest. This year's event is five times larger than in 2024 and features more than 700 exhibitors

Calidus Industries exhibits its wares as the spotlight shines on domestic manufacturing at Adnec

The Edge exhibition. The UAE has been focusing on industrial growth as it diversifies its economy from oil

More from the Calidus Industries stand

A display by Khalifa University, as the nation taps into modern and forward-looking sectors

A cognitively controlled robotic hand on display at the NYUAD stand

Make it in The Emirates 2025 runs until Thursday, May 22

It marks a shift in the UAE’s role – from a consumer of emerging technologies to a producer of sovereign, export-ready innovation, the company said.

The launch follows a string of recent AI-focused announcements, including G42’s tie-up with France’s Mistral AI and plans by Nvidia and Abu Dhabi-based MGX to build an AI campus in France.

Together, the deals reflect the UAE’s growing investment in AI talent, infrastructure and international partnerships.

Forge42 offers a full-stack infrastructure that helps businesses build and use AI tools more quickly and securely. It is designed to serve as a launch pad where AI is developed and tested, G42 said.

By partnering with global players such as Nvidia, AMD, Dell and Microsoft, the platform provides access to next-generation computing power and secure data environments, while keeping development rooted in the UAE.

Omar Mir, international board member of WWT, said the two companies are creating an "innovation environment that allows ideas to move quickly from prototype to impact – both within the UAE and beyond".

G42 said the initiative aligns with the country’s goal to boost competitiveness in advanced industries by embedding AI into products and operations.

The platform is also expected to accelerate time-to-market and improve productivity, the company added.

“This collaboration with WWT represents a shared commitment to building meaningful, lasting AI infrastructure and solutions that empower nations and industries alike,” said Peng Xiao, group chief executive of G42.

Forge42 joins G42’s growing AI portfolio, which includes partnerships with OpenAI, Microsoft and Cisco.

It also builds on the group’s 2023 consolidation of key units into Core42, which focuses on delivering AI at a national scale.