Microsoft Corp. announced on Tuesday the expansion of its Global Engineering Development Center to Abu Dhabi, UAE. This new center marks one of Microsoft's first engineering centers in the Arab world and joins a global network of development centers focused on AI innovations, cloud technologies, and advanced cybersecurity solutions.
The Abu Dhabi center will be part of a broader ecosystem dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions that will integrate into Microsoft's global offerings. This move is part of a series of investments by Microsoft aimed at bolstering the UAE's position as a tech innovation hub.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, commented on the announcement: “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.”
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, stated: “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.”
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, added: “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.”
This initiative also highlights Microsoft's strategic partnership with G42 which has been key in developing a thriving local technological ecosystem. The new center aims not only to develop advanced technologies but also attract top tech talent globally to address challenges in critical industries worldwide.
