Microsoft Strengthens Its Commitment to the Middle East by Investing in Technology, Digital Resilience and People

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and Microsoft Middle East and Africa President Naim Yazbeck today announced a new framework reinforcing Microsoft’s long-term commitment to the Middle East, focused on technology, digital resilience and people.

Unveiled at a round table on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and attended by senior government representatives from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the framework includes plans to invest more than $10 billion in capital and operating expenses across the region between now and 2030.

Across the Middle East, governments are pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious AI transformations. Realizing this ambition will require digital resilience as a cornerstone, strengthening continuity and recovery, protecting critical data and services, and building trust through stronger cybersecurity.

“Microsoft’s economic ties to the Middle East run deep, and our commitment to the region has always been, and will remain, steadfast. As AI reshapes economies around the world, the Middle East has an important opportunity to lead. Our responsibility is not only to invest in the technology that enables that progress, but to help provide the digital resilience, security and continuity it depends on. This new framework reflects that responsibility and our determination to help the region translate AI ambition into enduring economic and societal benefit,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft.

Naim Yazbeck, President, Microsoft Middle East and Africa, added: “Microsoft has been part of the Middle East’s transformation for more than 35 years, and we’re committed to being here for decades to come. Countries across the region aren’t waiting for the future of AI to be written elsewhere – they’re helping shape it themselves, and our role is to be a long-term partner in that journey. These tangible initiatives expand our commitment as innovation accelerates and national visions advance, strengthening digital resilience, maintaining business continuity and creating lasting opportunity across the region.”

This commitment reflects Microsoft’s belief that every country should be able to benefit from the world’s leading AI and cloud technologies while maintaining confidence in the security, resilience and sovereignty of its digital infrastructure. From now until 2030, Microsoft will pursue the following initiatives with its partners in the region:

As a long-term technology partner to governments, businesses, educators and communities, Microsoft brings together global-scale cloud and AI infrastructure, trusted security and resilience capabilities, and deep local partnerships to help countries advance their national visions. The company will continue working alongside the region to turn AI ambition into lasting economic growth, stronger public services and new opportunities for people.

For additional details, read Brad Smith’s full blog [here].