Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, and G42, the UAE-based artificial intelligence company, have announced a significant expansion of their partnership to advance secure AI infrastructure. This initiative underscores Cisco’s long-standing commitment to driving digital progress across the region by building secure, trusted, and high-performance infrastructure for the AI era.
Under the agreement, Cisco will power, connect, and secure a large-scale AI cluster deployed by G42, featuring AMD’s cutting-edge MI350X GPUs. The deployment will integrate Cisco’s full-stack secure AI infrastructure—spanning compute, networking, security, storage, optics, observability, and analytics tools—to deliver scalable performance and unified management for some of the region’s most advanced AI workloads.
Cisco will also serve as the technology integrator within G42’s Regulated Technology Environment (RTE)—a gold-standard compliance and security framework that ensures advanced compute systems operate with the highest levels of protection, transparency, and governance. The framework safeguards against unauthorized access, transfer, or misuse of advanced computing infrastructure.
This collaboration builds on the partners’ ongoing efforts under the broader US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, a key initiative driving bilateral technology goals. Flagship projects of this partnership include the 1GW Stargate UAE cluster currently under construction in Abu Dhabi and the 5GW UAE–US AI technology campus, announced during President Trump’s state visit to the UAE in May 2025.
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, said, “This collaboration with Cisco represents the next phase of deepening trust and technological alignment between the US and UAE under the AI Acceleration Partnership. It reinforces our shared commitment to building high-performance, secure, sovereign and compliant AI infrastructure that enables global innovation while upholding the highest standards of governance.”
Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, said, “Cisco is proud to deepen our partnership with G42, powering the UAE’s next wave of AI innovation by delivering secure, trusted, high-performance 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.”
Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD, said, “AMD is proud to partner with Cisco and G42 to power the next generation of AI infrastructure in the UAE. Our AMD Instinct MI350X accelerators deliver the performance, efficiency, and scalability needed to advance secure, sovereign AI innovation. This initiative strengthens the UAE’s position as a global leader in innovative AI development and demonstrates how technology initiatives like the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership can drive national digital ambitions.”
According to Cisco’s latest AI research, 92% of organizations in the UAE plan to deploy AI agents, and 41% expect them to work alongside employees within a year. However, only 25% currently have sufficient GPU capacity. This partnership aims to bridge that gap by delivering scalable, secure AI infrastructure designed for growth.
As AI becomes the primary driver of innovation, Cisco’s role in the UAE’s digital transformation has never been more crucial. This collaboration marks another major milestone in Cisco’s strategy—turning innovation into real-world impact and accelerating the region’s digital future.
Cisco offers a comprehensive end-to-end AI-ready data center solution that integrates compute, networking, security, automation, and optics. The deployment will leverage Cisco’s full AI-ready data center portfolio, including UCS 885A servers with AMD MI350X GPUs for compute, Nexus 9K 800G switches for networking, the VAST AI Operating System hosted on UCS servers, Firepower 4200 next-generation firewalls for security, and Nexus Dashboard and Intersight for automation and management. Additionally, it will utilize Cisco’s latest optics for ultra-reliable, high-performance networks and Cisco Advanced Services for planning, design, and implementation.
The expanded collaboration further strengthens G42’s ecosystem of trusted US technology partners supporting the RTE framework, reinforcing principles of transparency and accountability.
Cisco and G42 will continue to work closely with relevant US government agencies to obtain the required licenses and regulatory clearances for deployment, expected to progress in the coming months pending final approvals.
(Inputs from WAM)
