Microsoft has announced a $15 billion investment in the United Arab Emirates to strengthen the nation’s artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure, underscoring its role as a rising global AI hub. The investment—spanning 2023 to 2029—will fund digital infrastructure, R&D, and workforce development programs focused on AI skills and innovation.
Between 2023 and 2025, Microsoft allocated $1.5 billion to UAE AI and cloud firm G42, over $4.6 billion for capital expenditure on new data centers, and $1.2 billion in local operational costs. From 2026 to 2029, it plans to inject an additional $7.9 billion, including $5.5 billion for continued infrastructure expansion.
Microsoft has also secured export licenses to supply advanced Nvidia A100, H100, and H200 GPUs to power AI models by OpenAI, Anthropic, and other developers through Azure services. These GPUs will fuel next-generation AI workloads across both local and international clients.
The move aligns with the UAE’s economic diversification and AI leadership goals, supported by U.S. partnerships such as the 5GW UAE–US AI Campus launched in Abu Dhabi in 2025. Microsoft’s previous initiatives include the Global Engineering Development Center and the AI for Good Lab in Abu Dhabi, both dedicated to advancing regional talent and research.
“People need digital proficiency to fully participate in an AI-driven economy,” Microsoft said, emphasizing that skills development remains a cornerstone of its investment to ensure AI benefits are inclusive and sustainable.
