Abu Dhabi's G42 Weighs US Majority Ownership to Maintain AI Chip Access

Abu Dhabi AI firm G42 is considering a US-led ownership overhaul, which could include a majority US owner, to continue purchasing the most advanced AI chips after 2027. [3] The company can currently buy some of these chips without a special US license until around April 2027. [3]

To navigate these export controls, G42 has discussed options such as selling a majority stake to a US company or creating a new US-based entity. [3] Microsoft previously invested $1.5 billion for a minority stake in G42 in April 2024, and Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith joined G42’s board. [3]

G42's potential restructuring underscores how US export controls are directly shaping international AI corporate governance. By exploring a majority US owner or a legally separate US entity, the firm is prioritizing hardware supply-chain access over complete local control. This follows Microsoft's earlier $1.5 billion investment, which established a foundation for US operational alignment through board representation. What the sources don't address: Which specific US companies might be considering acquiring a majority stake in G42.