Microsoft is set to invest more than USD 10 billion across the Gulf through 2030 as it expands its cloud and AI infrastructure in the region. The commitment covers the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait and forms part of a broader strategy focused on digital resilience, cybersecurity and technology capacity.
Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said the spending reflects both the company’s ongoing infrastructure expansion and the growth of its regional operations. The company has not disclosed how it will divide the investment among the four countries, citing security considerations.
A major part of the plan involves expanding Microsoft’s cloud and AI infrastructure. The company is also deepening partnerships with national technology and AI organizations, including Abu Dhabi-based G42, Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN and Qatar’s QAI.
“We’re sustaining all the investments we planned to make before this conflict started, and we’re in fact adding to them,” Smith said.
Microsoft invested USD 1.5 billion in G42, taking a minority stake in the Abu Dhabi-based company in 2024. Its latest framework also includes support for digital-government initiatives in the region, including Saudi Arabia’s ALLaM and Qatar’s TASMU program.
The company said it will also spend more than USD 400 million on subsea and terrestrial connectivity across the Middle East by 2030. The additional network infrastructure is intended to strengthen connectivity and provide greater resilience for digital services.
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Microsoft said it will work with governments across Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE on digital resilience and cybersecurity. The initiative includes stronger cooperation with national cybersecurity authorities and measures aimed at improving the protection of data and digital services.
The investment extends beyond physical infrastructure. Microsoft plans to keep developing the region’s technology workforce, building on its existing commitment to train more than 4.2 million people across the four Gulf countries by 2030.