Microsoft commits $10bn to Middle East cloud and AI expansion

Microsoft has announced a commitment to invest more than $10 billion in capital and operating expenditure across the Middle East by 2030. The investment aims to expand cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, increase regional capacity, and support technology development in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

As part of this framework, the company will allocate over $400 million toward subsea and terrestrial connectivity to strengthen regional data flows. Microsoft is also launching a digital resilience initiative designed to help organizations identify vulnerabilities, protect critical data, and improve service restoration speeds during disruptions.

The announcement, made by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and Microsoft Middle East and Africa President Naim Yazbeck, follows previous regional investments, including a $1.5 billion stake in UAE-based G42. The initiative aligns with Gulf nations' efforts to integrate AI into national economic diversification and public service strategies.