Microsoft Sets Sights on $10 Billion Gulf Investment for Cloud and AI

Microsoft plans to invest over $10 billion in the Gulf region between now and 2030, according to a senior executive. This investment includes infrastructure for cloud and AI services, which is expected to play a key role in the company's digital resilience strategy amidst ongoing regional tensions.

The move reflects both Microsoft's expansion of operations in the region and its effort to build out existing infrastructure. Gulf countries are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of their efforts to diversify their economies away from oil and gas.

Microsoft's vice chair and president, Brad Smith, pointed to the Iran war as a factor driving the company's investment strategy in the region.