Microsoft plans to invest more than $10 billion across the Gulf region between now and 2030 as it expands its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in the Middle East. 

The investment will cover the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, with digital resilience becoming a key part of the company’s strategy amid continuing regional disruptions.

The investment will include both capital and operating expenses and is aimed at increasing Microsoft’s cloud and AI capacity across the four countries. The company said the plan will support long-term infrastructure commitments and help governments and businesses access advanced AI and cloud technologies.

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said the company’s regional strategy combines infrastructure expansion with broader operational growth. The company has been working with Gulf governments and national AI organisations as countries across the region increase spending on AI and seek to develop their own technology ecosystems.

As part of the plan, Microsoft will deepen partnerships with organisations including Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN, the UAE’s G42, Qatar’s QAI and the Government of Kuwait. It will also support digital-government initiatives and AI programmes in the region.

Digital resilience is another major focus. Microsoft plans to establish a Middle East Digital Resilience initiative to help organisations prepare for disruptions and improve their ability to maintain and recover critical digital services. The company also plans to invest more than $400 million in subsea and terrestrial connectivity infrastructure across the region by 2030.

Cybersecurity, data protection and digital sovereignty will also receive greater attention. Microsoft said it will expand cooperation with national cybersecurity authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait while offering additional data-protection and business-continuity solutions.

The company is also expanding its focus on AI skills. Microsoft has an existing commitment to help train more than 4.2 million people across the four Gulf countries by 2030. New programmes will focus on AI skills, workforce readiness and public-sector capabilities.

The investment comes as Gulf economies accelerate their AI ambitions and seek to diversify beyond oil and gas. 

Microsoft’s expansion could therefore strengthen the region’s data-centre, cloud, connectivity and AI ecosystem while creating opportunities for technology and infrastructure companies supporting the digital build-out.

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