Microsoft has announced a $15.2 billion strategic investment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 2029, a move aimed at boosting artificial intelligence and cloud computing. According to Microsoft’s vice chairman and president Brad Smith, $7.3 billion will be invested in the country from 2023, with an additional $7.9 billion to be spent by the end of 2029. This significant investment is expected to elevate innovation and technology in the region.
The deal has positively impacted US chipmaker Nvidia, with shares rising by up to 2.6 percent. There are hopes that this partnership will enable Nvidia to expand its sales of advanced chips to more markets. These investments, driven by collaboration between the US and UAE governments, include a partnership with the UAE’s G42 sovereign artificial intelligence company.
A substantial portion of the investment, around two-thirds, will be dedicated to developing AI and cloud data centers in the UAE, while one-third will cover projected operating costs. Addressing the stringent cybersecurity, national security, and technology requirements necessary for the licenses, Microsoft acknowledged the extensive work undertaken to fulfill these conditions.
Brad Smith highlighted, “We’re using these GPUs to provide access to advanced AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, open-source providers and Microsoft itself.” By integrating its robust AI infrastructure with substantial investments in talent, training, and governance, Microsoft aims to foster growth and empower the UAE in the digital era.
In alignment with its commitment to advancing AI capabilities, Microsoft plans to train one million residents by 2027. Additionally, Abu Dhabi will serve as a key regional hub for AI research and model development. This strategic move solidifies Microsoft’s dedication to leveraging technology to drive progress and innovation in the UAE.
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