In a landmark move to address the surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Microsoft, and MGX have unveiled the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP).
This initiative aims to inject substantial capital into the development and expansion of data centres to support advanced AI capabilities.
H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of MGX, highlighted the crucial role of AI in shaping future economies.
“Artificial intelligence is not just an industry of the future; it underpins the future,”
he asserted. Sheikh Tahnoun emphasized that this partnership will foster innovation, accelerate technological breakthroughs, and drive productivity gains globally, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future.
The GAIIP will champion an open architecture, allowing a broad range of partners to access its resources. NVIDIA will play a key role by providing expertise in AI data centres and factories, enhancing AI supply chains, and focusing on sustainable energy solutions. The partnership is set to unlock $30 billion in private equity, potentially mobilizing up to $100 billion in total investments, including debt financing.
Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, stressed the significance of private capital in building essential AI infrastructure, noting that such investments are fundamental to powering economic growth and technological innovation.
Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the partnership’s role in driving sector-wide growth and sustainability.
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, highlighted the collective financial effort required, stating that this partnership would bolster national competitiveness and economic prosperity.
Bayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP, expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to accelerate AI infrastructure investments.
NVIDIA’s founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, remarked on the growing need for AI infrastructure to support the next industrial revolution. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in expanding the technological foundation required for future AI advancements.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
