Microsoft is ramping up its long-term investment in the UAE with a US$15.2 billion plan that strengthens the country’s push to become a global centre for artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The expansion reinforces the nation’s shift toward a diversified, knowledge-driven economy while deepening the company’s local footprint.
The 2023 to 2029 programme focuses on technology, talent, and trust, aiming to accelerate innovation, enhance cloud infrastructure and equip UAE nationals with advanced AI capabilities. Amr Kamel, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the country’s digital vision.
Kamel noted that the plan includes US$1.5 billion invested in G42, more than US$10 billion dedicated to building advanced cloud data centres, and over US$3 billion to expand local operations and strategic partnerships.
A major initiative involves Microsoft’s collaboration with Khazna Data Centres, part of G42, to add 200 megawatts of capacity by 2026. The expansion will grow sovereign Azure cloud services in the UAE, enabling government and private entities to operate with greater efficiency and security.
Kamel said the company’s initiatives will support innovation, empower startups and help local industries adopt next-generation technologies. Microsoft is also developing an integrated digital ecosystem to advance productivity, business performance and sustainable growth.
Human-capital development remains a core focus. Through the Microsoft Elevate UAE programme, more than 250,000 students and academics and 55,000 government employees will be trained in future AI skills as part of a broader goal to upskill one million people by 2027.
Microsoft is further strengthening AI research through the Microsoft AI for Good Lab in Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Engineering Development Centre, which develops national talent and supports research on language models for underrepresented languages.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
