Microsoft Targets $10 Billion Gulf Investment Amid Region-Wide Digital Resurgence
Microsoft plans to invest over $10 billion in the Gulf region by 2030, including in cloud services infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The investments reflect the company's focus on building digital resilience in the Middle East, which has been a priority since the Iran war intensified.
Gulf countries are pouring billions of dollars into AI as part of their drive to transform into global hubs that contribute to diversifying their economies away from reliance on oil and gas. Despite challenges such as access to advanced electronic chips and the uncertainty created by the war, Microsoft is expanding its investments in the region.
Brad Smith, vice chairman and president of Microsoft, said that the company's investments are 'an ambitious and intensive spending schedule.' He added that Microsoft has provided support to its local partners during the conflict, including conducting digital resilience assessments. Specific investments by country or project were not disclosed due to security aspects.