Major tech companies are making significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI) hubs across the Middle East, even as the region faces escalating tensions. This strategic move aims to establish the Middle East as a global technology and AI powerhouse.
Microsoft has announced a $15.2 billion investment plan in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on AI partnerships with the sovereign AI firm G42. The tech giant has already spent $7.3 billion and plans to allocate an additional $7.9 billion between 2026 and 2029 for further growth in the UAE.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is set to invest over $5.3 billion to establish a new data-center region in Saudi Arabia by 2026. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a regional tech hub by World Expo 2030, providing local access to cloud and AI services while nurturing local talent through training programs.
Google Cloud and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have announced a $10 billion investment to create a global AI hub in the kingdom, in collaboration with the local tech firm Humain. This initiative, unveiled in 2024, aims to bolster the AI capabilities and infrastructure of Saudi Arabia.
Oracle is also making significant investments, committing $1.5 billion to enhance its cloud infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. This includes the establishment of a new public cloud region in Riyadh and expanding capacity at the existing Jeddah site, following an agreement with the communications ministry.
Source: mint – technology