Microsoft Corporation announced on Tuesday its plans to expand the Global Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its commitment to technological innovation in the UAE. This initiative marks another significant step in Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global network of development centers.
The Abu Dhabi facility, part of Microsoft’s early ventures into engineering centers in the Arab world, will focus on AI innovations, cloud technologies, and advanced cybersecurity solutions. The engineering teams will develop sophisticated solutions that will integrate into Microsoft’s global offerings.
The center is set to play a pivotal role in advancing regional workforce skills by providing both current professionals and emerging talents with the necessary tools to leverage cutting-edge technologies effectively.
This expansion is among a series of investments by Microsoft that bolsters the UAE’s reputation as a global hub for tech innovation and talent. The Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will collaborate closely with G42, enhancing the local tech ecosystem by attracting top international talent to develop solutions for global industry challenges.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, emphasized Abu Dhabi’s role as a leader in AI and transformative solutions that benefit humanity and the planet. He noted that the UAE’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure enable significant, positive impacts across various industries.
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, stated, “Our Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi aims to foster local talent and drive innovation that contributes to economic growth and job creation globally.”
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, highlighted the critical role of the new center in advancing AI and cloud infrastructure through the Microsoft-G42 partnership, aiming to establish a robust digital future for the region and beyond.
Samer Abu Ltaif, Microsoft Corporate Vice President and President of Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, commented, “This expansion not only reinforces our commitment to the region but also transitions us from technology consumers to contributors at a global scale. Our Abu Dhabi center is poised to drive significant innovation and support global organizations in maintaining competitiveness in the digital era.”
