Microsoft to invest $10B in Middle East AI and cloud infrastructure

Microsoft has announced a plan to invest more than $10 billion in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure across the Middle East by 2030. The investment will focus on the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait to support hyperscale data centers and sovereign AI capabilities.

In addition to the primary investment, the company will allocate over $400 million toward connectivity, including subsea and terrestrial fiber networks, to improve regional data access and international capacity. The initiative aims to support digital transformation, public services, and the development of specialized Arabic-language AI tools.

Microsoft is partnering with several entities, including G42, QAI, HUMAIN, and the Government of Kuwait. To address environmental concerns in arid climates, the company stated it will prioritize responsible growth and the use of zero-water cooling technologies for its data centers.