Microsoft Plans to Invest Over $10 Billion in the Middle East by 2030

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 23, Microsoft announced a new Middle East investment framework, planning to invest more than $10 billion in capital expenditures and operating expenditures in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait by 2030 to continue building cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure, expand regional operational capabilities, and increase related service capacity. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith stated that the investment includes both the continued expansion of existing infrastructure and the further expansion of the company's local business operations.

The framework focuses primarily on cloud computing and AI infrastructure. Microsoft plans to continue expanding regional data centers and computing resources while cooperating with local governments and enterprises on sovereign cloud, artificial intelligence applications, and digital services. The scope of cooperation currently focuses on four Gulf countries, among which Microsoft has established a capital and business partnership with the UAE's G42 and is cooperating with Saudi Arabia's Humain and Qatar's Qai in certain key areas. Microsoft stated that it has no plans for equity investment in Humain and Qai at this stage.

In terms of network infrastructure, Microsoft plans to invest more than $400 million in the Middle East in submarine cables and terrestrial network connectivity by 2030 to increase regional network capacity and build alternative data transmission routes. Microsoft's currently operating global cloud network consists of data centers, terrestrial and submarine fiber optics, and edge nodes. This Middle East investment will further enhance network connectivity between local cloud infrastructure.

Microsoft will also launch a Middle East Digital Resilience Initiative, whose scope of work includes critical data protection, business continuity, and cybersecurity preparedness. It plans to deploy dedicated cybersecurity personnel in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to cooperate with local governments on security capabilities. The initiative will advance in parallel with the company's cloud and network infrastructure investments.

In terms of talent training, Microsoft will continue to implement its existing AI skills development program to help more than 4.2 million people in the Middle East acquire artificial intelligence and related digital skills training by 2030. The company also plans to expand local investment in programs such as AI for Good Labs, incorporating infrastructure construction, network connectivity, cybersecurity, and talent development into the same regional investment framework.