Core42 has launched a new partner program in the United Arab Emirates aimed at widening the range of cloud and artificial intelligence solutions available to government bodies and regulated industries while creating new routes to market for technology companies and resellers.
The Abu Dhabi-based company, part of G42, said the Core42 Partner Program is beginning with a network of more than 50 partners. The initiative is open to independent software vendors, startups, technology partners, resellers and other solution providers seeking to build or sell cloud and AI products in the UAE.
Core42 said the program is based on a cloud environment that already supports more than 47 Abu Dhabi government entities. The initiative comes as public-sector organizations and companies in regulated industries face increasingly complex requirements around where data is stored, how systems are governed and which security controls apply to sensitive workloads.
Ahmed Labib, VP Partnerships and Ecosystems, Core42, said: “Government and regulated industries need greater choice in the cloud and AI solutions available to them, while retaining clarity over where their data sits, how their environment is governed and which controls apply to each workload. The Core42 Partner Program brings more technology companies into our ecosystem and helps them build around those requirements. For customers, that means access to a broader range of solutions. For our partners, it creates new opportunities to build, sell and grow in the UAE.”
Two Tracks for Technology and Channel Partners
The program is divided into two main tracks. Under the Technology Partner track, software vendors and startups can develop and deploy applications on Core42 Sovereign Enabled Public Cloud, which incorporates Microsoft Azure services alongside additional controls designed for UAE data-residency and governance requirements.
Core42's Insight application provides monitoring, governance and security controls around those deployments. Participating technology partners can also receive assistance with architecture, compliance documentation and the process of bringing their products to market.
A separate Channel Partner track is designed for resellers, distributors and solution providers selling Core42 cloud and AI services to organizations with specific requirements around data residency, security, regulatory compliance and operational control. The company said channel participants can receive sales training, technical support and assistance with customer opportunities.
Access to benefits varies according to a partner's eligibility and program track. Core42 said these benefits may include architecture reviews, sandbox environments, support from solution architects, AI-related credits, joint marketing activities and co-investment for selected customer projects. Eligible offerings can also be made available to customers through Microsoft Azure Marketplace.
Core42 Extends Sovereign Cloud Push with Microsoft
The program extends an existing relationship between Core42 and Microsoft rather than creating a separate cloud platform from scratch. Core42's sovereign public cloud uses Microsoft Azure infrastructure and services while adding UAE-specific controls through its Insight platform.
Microsoft has separately confirmed Core42's role in sovereign cloud delivery in the UAE. In a September 2026 announcement, Microsoft said Core42's Sovereign Public Cloud would support the deployment of Microsoft's AI-powered cybersecurity capabilities across participating UAE government organizations, with Core42 providing local implementation expertise and integration with sovereign controls.
The model reflects a broader challenge facing governments and regulated businesses adopting public cloud and AI tools. Organizations may want access to hyperscale computing, software ecosystems and new AI services while still needing to comply with rules governing sensitive data, cybersecurity and operational oversight. Core42 is positioning the additional governance layer as a way to address those requirements within an Azure-based environment.
Broader Ecosystem Strategy Takes Shape
Rather than focusing solely on direct sales, the program gives Core42 a structure for bringing more third-party software and service providers into its cloud and AI ecosystem. Its partner portal describes opportunities for technology companies to build applications on the platform and for channel partners to distribute Core42 services to their own customers.
The approach could increase the number of applications available to organizations that need locally governed cloud environments without requiring every software company to establish its own underlying sovereign-cloud infrastructure. Independent software vendors, in particular, can build around Core42's existing technical controls while remaining responsible for the compliance requirements attached to their own applications and customers.
Core42 has been expanding its activity around sovereign AI and cloud infrastructure during 2026. In September, the company signed an agreement with the UAE Cyber Security Council covering its Signature Sovereign AI Cloud, while another September collaboration with the Technology Innovation Institute focused on UAE-developed digital sovereignty and cybersecurity technologies.
Applications to join the program are now open. Core42 said prospective partners move through an application and onboarding process before launching solutions, registering business opportunities and expanding their participation within the ecosystem.
