Bitcoin 
Ethereum 
Tether 
BNB 
Solana 
XRP 
USDC 
Lido Staked Ether 
Cardano 
Avalanche 
Key Points
• Microsoft commits $15.2 billion to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in the UAE.
• Partnership with G42 strengthens the UAE’s tech leadership and global cooperation.
• One million people to receive AI and digital skills training by 2027.
• Investment to enhance the UAE’s knowledge-based economy and innovation capacity.
Microsoft to invest $15B in the UAE, building advanced AI infrastructure, expanding cloud computing, and developing digital skills across the region.
The company’s move reflects growing confidence in the UAE economy and its leadership’s goal of becoming a global technology hub.
From my standpoint, this is not only an investment in technology but in long-term human capital. Microsoft’s decision strengthens trust between the United States and the UAE, showing that cooperation in AI development can be both responsible and ambitious.
Expanding AI infrastructure and cloud computing capacity
Microsoft will spend $15.2 billion in the UAE between 2023 and 2029. By the end of 2025, $7.3 billion will be spent, including $4.6 billion in data center infrastructure and $1.5 billion invested in G42, the Abu Dhabi-based AI technology group.
Between 2026 and 2029, another $7.9 billion will go toward AI infrastructure and local operations. This funding will expand Azure cloud services and create new research and engineering centers. The investment supports sustainable innovation, following the UAE’s digital transformation strategy.
To achieve this, Microsoft obtained export licenses to import over 80,000 NVIDIA A100-class chips, including H100 and H200 GPUs. These high-performance chips will power Azure AI systems and accelerate local innovation in health, education, and energy.
Building the foundation of AI and cloud infrastructure in the UAE looks so easy with world-class management from the leaders.
ANOTHER MUST-READ ON ICN.LIVE:
Hong Kong’s top financial regulator opens global crypto liquidity access
Partnership with G42 drives UAE’s tech ambition
The collaboration between Microsoft and G42 is at the heart of this plan. Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, said the partnership focuses on “execution and impact.” Together, they aim to deploy world-class cloud computing systems, advance AI models, and set a standard for trusted cross-border innovation.
This cooperation deepens ties between the US and UAE technology sectors. It also strengthens governance under the Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement, which sets strict rules for cybersecurity, data protection, and export controls.
The partnership confirms the UAE’s position as a regional leader in responsible AI. The AIATC, led by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, has made AI a priority across government and business. He noted that embedding AI throughout the UAE economy will increase efficiency and productivity across industries.
G42 partnership puts the UAE at the center of AI growth, not only in the region, but for the world.
Training one million people in digital skills
Beyond infrastructure, Microsoft is investing heavily in people. The company has pledged to train one million UAE residents in AI and digital skills by 2027. This includes 120,000 government employees, 175,000 students, and 39,000 teachers.
This digital skills training ensures the benefits of AI reach every sector. Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab and Global Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will help researchers and developers create practical AI tools that meet local needs.
Together with G42 and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft co-founded the Responsible AI Future Foundation. This initiative will guide ethical AI development and promote transparency in AI systems.
Impact on the UAE economy
The $15B investment supports the UAE’s goal of becoming a diversified, knowledge-based economy. It will create new jobs, attract global talent, and support small and medium-sized businesses that rely on digital services.
Sheik Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described Microsoft’s investment as a vote of confidence in the UAE’s long-term economic vision. It ensures Abu Dhabi continues to attract innovation and capital.
For Microsoft, this partnership secures a key role in the Middle East’s digital future. For the UAE, it represents progress toward global leadership in AI, cloud computing, and responsible technology.
