Microsoft Expands Global Engineering Center to Abu Dhabi, UAE

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Microsoft Corp. announced on Tuesday its expansion into the UAE with the establishment of a new Global Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi. This center marks Microsoft’s first engineering facility in the Arab world, joining its global network of development centers located in strategic regions worldwide.

The Abu Dhabi center will be integral to a global ecosystem focused on developing innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technologies, and advanced cybersecurity solutions. The engineering teams based in this center will create state-of-the-art solutions that will contribute to Microsoft’s offerings on a global scale.

This move is part of a broader strategy by Microsoft to enhance the UAE’s reputation as a center for technological innovation and talent. The company’s strategic partnership with G42 has already laid the groundwork for a flourishing local tech ecosystem, and the new center aims to build on these efforts. By fostering the creation of innovative technologies in the region, Microsoft hopes to attract top talent from around the world to develop solutions tailored to address critical challenges across various industries.

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His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, emphasized Abu Dhabi’s potential as a leader in global AI initiatives. He noted that the emirate’s advanced infrastructure and strategic location position it well to drive significant positive impacts across industries and communities worldwide.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO, reiterated the company’s commitment to ensuring that transformative technologies like AI benefit a broad audience and create local opportunities. He expressed enthusiasm about the Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi, highlighting its role in bringing new talent to the region and powering innovations that could spur economic growth and job creation both in the UAE and beyond.

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, remarked that the establishment of Microsoft’s center underscores the UAE’s rising status as a hub for technological innovation. He acknowledged the fruitful collaboration between G42 and Microsoft in advancing AI and cloud infrastructure, stating that the new center will enhance their joint efforts to build a more robust digital future for the region.

Samer Abu-Ltaif, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President and President for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized that this announcement reflects Microsoft’s dedication to the region and its strategic partnership with the UAE. He highlighted the importance of empowering youth, collaborating with educational institutions, and fostering intellectual property creation to unlock the region’s full potential. The center aims to shift the local landscape from merely consuming technology to actively contributing to its global creation.

The Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will also focus on upskilling the local workforce. It will empower both current professionals and emerging talent with the skills needed to navigate advancements in cutting-edge technologies. This will be achieved through collaborations with local universities, training centers, and government initiatives, particularly in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. Microsoft’s investment in human capital aligns with the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy and transition toward a knowledge-based framework.

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is dedicated to creating platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of its customers. The company is committed to making AI accessible responsibly, with a mission to empower every individual and organization globally to achieve more.