Microsoft Expands Global Engineering Development Center to Abu Dhabi, UAE

Microsoft Expands Global Engineering Development Center to Abu Dhabi, Strengthening UAE’s Tech Ecosystem

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Sept. 24, 2024 – Microsoft Corporation announced on Tuesday that it is expanding the footprint of its global engineering development center in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi will be one of Microsoft’s first engineering centers to be launched in the Arab world, joining the company’s portfolio of global development centers in key strategic locations around the world.

Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will be part of a global ecosystem of centers dedicated to developing AI innovations, cloud technologies and advanced cybersecurity solutions. Engineering teams at the center will develop cutting-edge solutions that are part of the global Microsoft solutions portfolio.

Microsoft has made a number of investments recently, the most recent of which will solidify the UAE’s standing as a global center for technological innovation and expertise. A strong local technology ecosystem has been established in large part thanks to Microsoft’s strategic partnership with the G42. The new Microsoft Engineering Development Center will build on these efforts by bringing in top technical talent from across the globe and developing state-of-the-art technologies locally.
Developing solutions designed to address pressing challenges in critical industries globally.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Governing Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated: “As a center of innovation, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to lead global efforts in AI and deliver transformative solutions.”
It is beneficial for humans 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 it to make positive, far-reaching impacts across industries and communities.

According to Satya Nadella, President and CEO of Microsoft, “We are committed to creating local opportunity and transformative technologies like AI to benefit everyone broadly.” Our Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will bring new talent to the region and enable energy innovation that will create economic growth and jobs for both the UAE and the world.

Peng Xiao, CEO of G42 Group, said, “The establishment of Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi underscores the UAE’s growing importance as a hub for technology innovation. While the G42 and Microsoft have worked together in the past to drive advances in AI and cloud infrastructure, this new center will complement our joint efforts in building a more robust digital future for the region and beyond.

Samer Abu-Ltaif, Microsoft corporate vice president and head of Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, said, “Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to the region and our strategic partnership with the UAE. We unlock the region’s potential by empowering youth, collaborating with academics and fostering IP creation. We are moving from consuming technology to contributing to its global creation. With a world-class engineering development center in Abu Dhabi, we provide innovation and support to companies around the world to stay competitive in the digital world.

The Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will play a key role in enhancing Microsoft’s efforts to develop the regional workforce by equipping existing professionals and upcoming talent with the necessary skills to effectively utilize the latest advances in cutting-edge technologies. This will be achieved through continuous collaboration with local universities, training centers and government initiatives, particularly in the fields of cloud computing, AI and cyber security. Microsoft’s efforts to invest in human capital and improve the employability of professionals, particularly in technology-based sectors, are aligned with the diversification efforts of local governments and their ambitions to become knowledge-based economies.

Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT” @microsoft) builds AI-powered platforms and tools to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The tech company is committed to making AI widely available, and doing so responsibly, with the goal of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.