Cisco and G42 Deepen US-UAE Technology Partnership to Build Secure, End-to-End AI Infrastructure in the UAE

Rhea-AI Summary

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and G42 announced on October 28, 2025 an expanded partnership to build secure, end-to-end AI infrastructure in the UAE as part of the US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership. Cisco will supply a full-stack AI data center solution—including UCS 885A servers with AMD Instinct MI350X GPUs, Nexus 9K 800G switches, Firepower 4200 firewalls, optics, and observability tools—and act as integrator within G42's Regulated Technology Environment (RTE). The project ties into flagship efforts including the 1GW Stargate cluster under construction and the previously announced 5GW UAE-US AI campus, and is subject to final US and UAE regulatory licenses and clearances.

Positive

• Deploys UCS 885A servers equipped with AMD MI350X GPUs
• Integrates networking, security, storage, optics in one stack
• Supports the 1GW Stargate cluster and 5GW UAE-US campus goals
• Addresses GPU capacity gap cited: 92% plan AI agents, only 25% have robust GPU

Negative

• Deployment contingent on final US and UAE regulatory licenses
• No financial terms, contract values, or delivery schedule disclosed

News Summary:

• The announcement represents a significant step towards advancing secure AI infrastructure across UAE, aligned with the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.
• Cisco will power, connect, and secure a large-scale AI cluster deployed by G42, featuring AMD's advanced MI350X GPUs.
• The collaboration further embeds trusted US technology partners into G42's AI infrastructure roadmap.

SAN JOSE, Calif., and ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking and security, and G42, the UAE-based global leader in artificial intelligence, today announced a major expansion of their collaboration to advance secure AI infrastructure. This initiative is further evidence of Cisco's long-term commitment to driving digital advances across the region, building secure, trusted and high-performance infrastructure for the AI era.

A Trusted Foundation for the UAE's AI Economy

Cisco will power, connect, and secure a large-scale AI cluster deployed by G42, featuring AMD's advanced MI350X GPUs. This deployment integrates Cisco's full-stack, secure AI infrastructure, including compute, networking, security, storage, optics, as well as observability and analytics tools, delivering scalable performance and unified management for the region's most advanced AI workloads.

Cisco will also act as the technology integrator within G42's Regulated Technology Environment (RTE), a gold-standard compliance and security framework designed to ensure that advanced compute infrastructure operates with the highest levels of protection, transparency, and governance, preventing unauthorized access, transfer, or misuse of advanced compute systems.

The collaboration builds on joint efforts under the broader US–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, a key program advancing bilateral technology goals, whose flagship projects include the 1GW Stargate UAE cluster undergoing construction in Abu Dhabi and the 5GW UAE-US AI technology campus that was 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." 

Driving the Region's Digital Momentum

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. Yet only 25% have robust GPU capacity. It is a gap that this partnership aims to close by delivering scalable, secure AI infrastructure built for growth.

With AI rapidly becoming the main driver of innovation, Cisco's engagement in digital transformation across the UAE has never been more vital. This collaboration represents another bold step in Cisco's strategy - turning innovation into impact and accelerating the region's digital future.

Cisco's Secure, End-to-End AI Infrastructure

Cisco uniquely delivers an end-to-end AI-ready data center solution, combining compute, networking, security, automation and optics.  The deployment will leverage Cisco's end-to-end AI-ready data center portfolio, featuring Cisco UCS 885A servers equipped with AMD MI350X GPUs for compute, high-speed Nexus 9K 800G switches for networking, the VAST AI Operating System hosted on UCS servers, Firepower 4200 next-generation firewalls for security, Nexus Dashboard and Intersight for network automation and compute management. In addition, it will feature the latest Cisco optics to enable the highest performing and most reliable networks, and Cisco Advanced Services for planning, design, and implementation.

The collaboration further strengthens G42's network of trusted US technology partners contributing to the Regulated Technology Environment (RTE) framework, reinforcing a model grounded in transparency and accountability.

G42 and Cisco will work in close coordination with relevant U.S. government agencies to obtain the necessary licenses and regulatory clearances for deployment, which is expected to advance in the coming months pending final approvals.

About Cisco 

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience.  With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found at http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

About G42

G42 is a technology holding group and a global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence for a better tomorrow. Born in Abu Dhabi and operating worldwide, G42 champions AI as a powerful force for good across industries. From molecular biology to space exploration and everything in between, G42 realizes exponential possibilities today. To know more, visit www.g42.ai

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SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.

FAQ

What did Cisco (CSCO) announce with G42 on October 28, 2025?

Cisco announced an expanded partnership to deliver end-to-end AI infrastructure for G42 in the UAE, including UCS 885A servers with AMD MI350X GPUs and networking, security, and optics.

How does the Cisco–G42 deal relate to the 1GW Stargate and 5GW UAE-US projects?

The collaboration supports flagship initiatives, including the 1GW Stargate cluster under construction and the earlier-announced 5GW UAE‑US AI campus.

What hardware will Cisco provide for the G42 AI cluster (CSCO)?

Cisco will supply UCS 885A servers populated with AMD Instinct MI350X GPUs, Nexus 9K 800G switches, Firepower 4200 firewalls, optics, and management tools.

What regulatory or approval risks are associated with the Cisco–G42 deployment?

Deployment is expected to proceed only after Cisco and G42 obtain necessary US and UAE licenses and regulatory clearances.

What investor-relevant metrics did Cisco cite about AI readiness in the UAE?

Cisco research cited that 92% of UAE organizations plan to deploy AI agents, 41% expect agents to work alongside employees within a year, and only 25% have robust GPU capacity.

What does the partnership mean for CSCO shareholders in the near term?

The announcement signals expanded Cisco participation in large-scale AI infrastructure in the UAE, but the company did not disclose commercial terms or an immediate financial impact.