Abu Dhabi, UAE – Microsoft Corporation is set to strengthen its global engineering presence with the launch of its first-ever Global Engineering Development Center in the Arab world, located in Abu Dhabi. This move marks a significant milestone as the UAE becomes a key player in Microsoft’s global network of development centers, which are dedicated to pioneering innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technologies, and advanced cybersecurity solutions.
A Hub for Cutting-Edge Innovation
The newly established Abu Dhabi center will be integrated into Microsoft’s worldwide ecosystem of engineering facilities, focusing on the development of next-generation technologies. The engineering teams in Abu Dhabi will work on solutions that will be integrated into Microsoft’s global product portfolio, driving innovation and helping to address key challenges in various industries.
This expansion is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to invest in the UAE, positioning the country as a global leader in technology and innovation. The new center follows a series of strategic investments aimed at bolstering the UAE’s role as a tech hub and aligns with the company’s ongoing collaboration with G42, a leading AI and cloud computing firm based in the UAE.
Strengthening UAE’s Role in Global Tech Innovation
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, expressed the significance of the launch:
“As a hub of innovation, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to lead global efforts in AI, championing transformative solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Abu Dhabi’s advanced digital and physical infrastructure, combined with the UAE’s strategic location at the heart of the world, allows us to drive positive, far-reaching impacts across industries and societies alike.”
Microsoft’s Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, emphasized the company’s dedication to fostering local growth:
“We are committed to ensuring transformative technologies, like AI, benefit everyone broadly and create local opportunity. Our Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will bring new talent to the region and help power innovation that will drive economic growth and job creation for both the UAE and the world.”
Partnership with G42 to Build a Stronger Digital Future
The establishment of the new center builds on Microsoft’s existing strategic partnership with G42. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, highlighted the significance of this collaboration:
“The establishment of Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi underscores the growing importance of the UAE as a hub for technological innovation. While G42 and Microsoft have worked together in the past to drive advancements in AI and cloud infrastructure, this new center will complement our collective efforts in building a more robust digital future for the region and beyond.”
Upskilling the Regional Workforce
One of the key roles of the Engineering Development Center will be to advance Microsoft’s mission of upskilling the regional workforce. Through partnerships with local universities, training centers, and government initiatives, the center will equip professionals with the necessary skills in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. This aligns with the UAE’s ambitions to transition towards a knowledge-based economy and supports local efforts to diversify the economy.
Samer Abu-Ltaif, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President and President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, elaborated on this vision:
“Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to the region and our strategic partnership with the UAE. By empowering youth, collaborating with academia, and fostering IP creation, we are unlocking the region’s potential. We are transitioning from consuming technology to contributing to its global creation. With a world-class Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi, we drive innovation and support organizations worldwide to stay competitive in a digital world.”
A New Era for Tech Innovation in the UAE
This latest investment by Microsoft underscores the UAE’s growing prominence as a global hub for technological innovation and talent. By creating cutting-edge technologies and fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the new Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of industries both locally and globally.
