Microsoft is planning to invest more than $10 billion across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait through 2030, with a major focus on cloud computing, artificial intelligence infrastructure and digital resilience. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith told Reuters that the planned spending reflects the company’s continued expansion of infrastructure and operations across the Gulf. The company is also working with regional partners on digital resilience assessments, critical data protection and preparedness measures. Microsoft additionally plans to invest more than $400 million in subsea and terrestrial connectivity across the Middle East by 2030. The company is strengthening partnerships with Abu Dhabi-based G42, Saudi Arabia’s Humain and Qatar’s Qai in selected areas related to their priorities, without planning direct capital investments in those companies. The Gulf states are increasing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure as they seek to diversify their economies and develop regional technology hubs. Microsoft said its regional investment plans remain in place despite security challenges affecting parts of the region.
Read more here
