On Tuesday, Microsoft Corp. announced the expansion of its Global Engineering Development Center to the UAE with a new facility set to open in Abu Dhabi. This development center will be one of the first engineering hubs established by Microsoft in the Arab world, joining its global portfolio of centers strategically located worldwide.
The Abu Dhabi Engineering Development Center will be part of a global network focused on creating innovations in AI, cloud technologies, and advanced cybersecurity solutions. The engineering teams at this center will develop cutting-edge technologies that will contribute to Microsoft’s global offerings.
This announcement is part of Microsoft’s broader investment strategy to enhance the UAE’s reputation as a global hub for tech innovation and talent. The company’s strategic partnership with G42 has played a crucial role in fostering a vibrant local technological ecosystem, and the new center aims to not only develop advanced technologies in the region but also attract top tech talent to create tailored solutions for pressing challenges in critical industries worldwide.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, stated, “As a hub of innovation, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to lead global efforts in AI, championing transformative solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Abu Dhabi’s advanced digital and physical infrastructure, combined with the UAE’s strategic location, allows us to drive positive impacts across industries and societies alike.”
Satya Nadella, Microsoft Chairman and CEO, remarked, “We are committed to ensuring transformative technologies like AI benefit everyone and create local opportunities. Our Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will attract new talent and power innovation that drives economic growth and job creation for the UAE and beyond.”
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, emphasized that the establishment of the center highlights the UAE’s growing significance as a technological innovation hub. He noted that the collaboration between G42 and Microsoft will further enhance efforts to build a robust digital future for the region and beyond.
Samer Abu-Ltaif, Microsoft Corporate Vice President and President for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, affirmed the company’s commitment to the region and its partnership with the UAE. He stated, “By empowering youth, collaborating with academia, and fostering IP creation, we unlock the region’s potential. With a world-class Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi, we drive innovation and help organizations stay competitive in a digital world.”
The Abu Dhabi Engineering Development Center will also focus on upskilling the regional workforce by providing training and education opportunities to both existing professionals and upcoming talent in the fields of cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. Microsoft aims to invest in human capital and enhance employability in tech-driven sectors, aligning with local governments’ diversification efforts and aspirations for a knowledge-based economy.
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is dedicated to creating AI-powered platforms and tools that deliver innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers, ensuring responsible and broad access to AI, with the mission of empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.
