Microsoft to Invest $10 Billion in Gulf AI Infrastructure

Microsoft Corporation plans to invest more than $10 billion in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait by 2030. The strategy includes a separate commitment of over $400 million for subsea and terrestrial connectivity to strengthen regional data networks.

Vice Chair and President Brad Smith announced the expansion as a means of enhancing digital resilience. This focus follows attacks on regional data centers, including those operated by Amazon Web Services in Bahrain and the UAE, during an ongoing war with Iran that began on February 28. Smith stated that the company is maintaining and increasing its spending schedule despite the conflict.

As part of its regional growth, Microsoft is deepening ties with national AI firms to help Gulf nations diversify their economies away from oil and gas. This includes a partnership with Abu Dhabi-based G42, in which Microsoft holds a minority stake following a $1.5 billion investment in 2024. The company is also collaborating with Saudi Arabia's Humain and Qatar's Qai on priority areas, though it does not plan further capital investments in those two specific firms.