Microsoft is investing $15.2 billion in the UAE to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure

Microsoft today revealed details of its $15.2 billion investment in the United Arab Emirates, starting from the launch of this initiative in 2023 until the end of 2029.

Microsoft’s investment aims to develop the infrastructure for artificial intelligence and cloud computing in the country, expand the scope of talent qualification programs and specialized digital competencies, and enhance cooperation in the fields of technology and innovation between the UAE and the United States of America.

This step confirms Microsoft’s long-term commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision to promote sustainable innovation and accelerate the pace of digital transformation.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, was informed by Brad Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of Microsoft, about the company’s future investment plans in the UAE, including projects to enhance the digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence system, and efforts to qualify local competencies through training programs and research and development initiatives.

His Highness stressed that this strategic investment reflects global confidence in the long-term economic vision of the UAE, which continues to build a diversified economy based on knowledge and technology. His Highness pointed out that this partnership consolidates the position of the emirate and the country as a leading destination to attract international companies to invest in the innovation system and support the construction of future industries.

Brad Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of Microsoft, said: “This investment reflects Microsoft’s commitment to injecting direct investments into the UAE, which will strengthen the local economy and contribute to achieving sustainable development. As we have done in various parts of the world, we are keen to contribute to the development of local economies in parallel with the expansion and development of our business, based on three basic pillars: technology, talent development and establishing trust.”

Smith added: “Microsoft’s investment is not limited to technology only, but is primarily human-centric. By developing specialized talent in the field of artificial intelligence, and enabling individuals to develop, deploy and use these technologies, in a manner consistent with the region’s specificity and needs, Microsoft contributes to consolidating the UAE’s leadership position in adopting and disseminating artificial intelligence innovations.”

For his part, Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General of the Council for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology, said: “Abu Dhabi and the UAE continue to consolidate their position as global centers for innovation and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, by integrating technology into various areas of government, societal and economic work. This investment contributes to strengthening the strong and long-term technological partnership between the UAE and the United States of America, confirming the commitment of both sides to employing the capabilities of artificial intelligence to achieve sustainable growth, advance the process of economic diversification, and create promising opportunities for future generations.”

This investment is an extension of the established partnership between Microsoft and the Microsoft Group G42 The Emirati pioneer in artificial intelligence technologies, and confirms the company’s focus on combining technology, talent development, and building trust as essential pillars for achieving comprehensive economic growth.

In turn, said Ping Xiao, CEO of the group G42“Our partnership with Microsoft confirms our firm commitment to transforming ambitions into realistic achievements, as we work together to develop a world-class digital infrastructure, promote innovation in the uses of artificial intelligence across sectors, and establish a new model of international cooperation based on the foundations of mutual trust. Thus, we contribute to achieving sustainable value, not only in the UAE, but extending to the entire world, to shape a more interconnected and intelligent future.”

As part of this initiative, Microsoft is working to expand the infrastructure of artificial intelligence and cloud computing data centers throughout the UAE, including exporting advanced graphics processing units from the United States of America to the UAE, to enable the new generation of artificial intelligence capabilities.

Starting from 2023 until the end of this year, Microsoft will have invested and spent more than $7.3 billion in the UAE, including an investment worth $1.5 billion that includes ownership stakes in the… G42capital expenditures of more than $4.6 billion to develop artificial intelligence and cloud computing data centers in the country, and more than $1.2 billion in local operating expenses and costs of selling goods.

From the beginning of 2026 until the end of 2029, the company intends to spend more than $7.9 billion in the UAE, including more than $5.5 billion in capital expenditures allocated to current and planned expansion operations in the artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure, including new initiatives that we will announce during this week in Abu Dhabi. It also includes about $2.4 billion in domestic operating expenses and costs of selling goods.

The company obtained the necessary licenses to export advanced NVIDIA modules A100andH100andH200 To the UAE, providing the equivalent of more than 80,000 chips A100 To run artificial intelligence services via the Azure platform (Azure AI) and supporting local innovation in various sectors.

Microsoft works in close coordination with the UAE and US governments to ensure adherence to cybersecurity standards, export controls, and responsible artificial intelligence practices, confirming the company’s firm commitment to transparency and building trust in technology partnerships.

Microsoft’s investments also focus on building local capabilities and strengthening the integrated artificial intelligence ecosystem in the UAE. To this end, the company has established its global engineering development center and “AI for Good” lab (AI for Good Lab(in Abu Dhabi, as part of its efforts to support research and innovation in the areas of responsible artificial intelligence and large-scale models.

In cooperation with government agencies and educational institutions in the country, Microsoft has pledged to train and qualify one million individuals in the UAE by 2027, including 120,000 government employees, 175,000 students, and 39,000 teachers, which contributes to expanding the scope of innovation in the field of artificial intelligence, to become more comprehensive and available to various segments of society.

In partnership with a group G42 And at the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft established the “Responsible Future of Artificial Intelligence” Foundation at the beginning of this year (RAIFF), with the aim of promoting responsible artificial intelligence standards and establishing best practices in the Middle East and Global South. The Foundation works to develop responsible artificial intelligence research and ethical practices in this field, and seeks to enhance global cooperation efforts in technology governance and establish trust in its systems.

This partnership was established through an intergovernmental guarantee agreement developed in consultation with the governments of the UAE and the United States of America, to ensure adherence to the highest standards of cybersecurity, data protection, export controls, and responsible artificial intelligence governance.

Microsoft’s continued efforts and cooperation with its partners in the UAE and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reflect a shared belief among all parties in the importance of progress in the field of artificial intelligence being based on the foundations of trust between institutions, countries and individuals.

By combining technical innovation and responsible technology development, the company is keen to ensure that all societies benefit from the potential of artificial intelligence, which contributes to promoting sustainable growth and expanding the horizons of opportunities in the UAE and beyond.