DHAHRAN: Aramco and Microsoft have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new digital initiatives aimed at accelerating industrial artificial intelligence adoption, strengthening digital capabilities and advancing workforce development in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement builds on the companies’ long-standing collaboration and focuses on developing AI-driven industrial solutions powered by Microsoft Azure. The initiative is designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve competitiveness and support Aramco’s broader digital transformation strategy across its energy and industrial operations.
Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to building a secure and intelligent digital ecosystem. He noted that scaling advanced AI and digital solutions will enable innovation and efficiency while maintaining high standards of security and governance.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said the collaboration represents the next phase in moving industrial AI from pilot projects into core operational environments. He added that the focus includes developing sovereign-ready digital infrastructure, trusted governance frameworks and workforce capabilities required for responsible AI adoption, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include digital sovereignty and data residency, with both companies exploring cloud deployment strategies enhanced by sovereign controls to meet national regulatory requirements. The partnership also targets operational optimisation through streamlined digital frameworks designed to create a unified and efficient technology infrastructure across Aramco’s operations.
The agreement further explores establishing an industry alliance framework involving local technology partners and integrators to expand AI adoption across Saudi Arabia’s industrial value chain. In addition, both companies are assessing opportunities to co-develop and commercialise industrial AI intellectual property, including the potential creation of a global marketplace for AI-based operational solutions tailored to the energy sector.
Workforce development forms a central pillar of the collaboration, with planned initiatives focused on building skills in AI engineering, cybersecurity, data governance and product management. These programmes aim to support the development of digital talent in the Kingdom, building on Microsoft’s existing training initiatives that have already reached thousands of learners in cloud, AI and data technologies.
