Microsoft Corp. has announced the opening of its new Global Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi, marking one of the company’s first engineering centers in the Arab world. This new center will join Microsoft’s network of global development hubs, further strengthening its portfolio of strategic locations worldwide.
The Abu Dhabi center will play a key role in the creation of cutting-edge innovations in AI, cloud technologies, and advanced cybersecurity solutions. The engineering teams at this new facility will work on developing technologies that will be integrated into Microsoft’s global offerings.
This move is part of a broader set of investments by Microsoft aimed at reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for tech innovation and talent. Through its strategic partnership with G42, Microsoft has helped build a thriving local tech ecosystem. The new development center will continue to build on this collaboration, not only by developing advanced solutions but also by attracting top tech talent from around the world to address critical global challenges across various industries.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, expressed, “As a hub of innovation, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to lead global efforts in AI, delivering transformative solutions that benefit both people and the planet. With its advanced digital and physical infrastructure and strategic location at the heart of the world, Abu Dhabi is driving positive impacts across industries and societies globally.”
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring that transformative technologies like AI are accessible to all, creating new opportunities. He noted, “The Abu Dhabi Engineering Development Center will bring new talent to the region and fuel innovation, driving economic growth and job creation for both the UAE and the world.”
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, highlighted the growing significance of the UAE in the tech innovation space, noting that the new center will complement the ongoing efforts to advance AI and cloud infrastructure in the region and beyond.
Samer Abu-Ltaif, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President and President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the region. He stated, “The new center reinforces our strategy of empowering youth, collaborating with academia, and fostering intellectual property creation. It reflects the shift from being consumers of technology to contributors in its global development, driving innovation and helping businesses worldwide stay competitive.”
The center will also focus on advancing Microsoft’s initiative to upskill the regional workforce, offering professionals the tools and training needed to harness the latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s goals to transition into a knowledge-based economy and diversify its workforce in tech-driven sectors.
Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) continues to create AI-powered platforms and tools to meet evolving customer needs, with a commitment to broadening access to AI and doing so responsibly, empowering individuals and organizations worldwide to achieve more.
