Microsoft Highlights Key Progress in Building Data Center Region in Saudi Arabia

Microsoft has recently shared significant updates regarding the progress of its datacentre region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Following a site visit by a delegation from the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), as well as Microsoft executives, the company announced the completion of the construction phase for all three Azure availability zones. These zones, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, are expected to become operational by 2026.

Each of the three Azure availability zones features independent power, cooling, and networking infrastructures, ensuring high levels of reliability. They are designed to support government and private sector companies in Saudi Arabia, enabling them to run their workloads seamlessly in the cloud with low latency and high availability. The zones will be equipped with state-of-the-art hardware, supporting the growing demand for scalable cloud services in the region. This new datacentre region is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to offer enterprise-grade cloud solutions that adhere to the highest standards of performance, privacy, and security.

The new datacentre region will align with Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure, which spans more than 60 Azure regions around the world. This global infrastructure is among the largest and most secure, and the Saudi Arabian region will bring the same level of reliability and performance, with specific attention to customer privacy, data residency, and speed. The region will further Microsoft’s commitment to responsible cloud practices, emphasizing security, digital safety, privacy, compliance, and transparency, all while adhering to the company’s ethical principles.

The completion of the construction phase highlights Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the company has had a presence for 25 years. The establishment of this new datacentre region is a key milestone in Microsoft’s long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia, supporting the nation’s ambitions for digital transformation and economic diversification under Saudi Vision 2030. The development of this region is expected to play a central role in advancing the Kingdom’s technological infrastructure, providing organizations of all sizes with access to reliable, scalable, and secure cloud services.

Microsoft’s initial announcement regarding the cloud region in Saudi Arabia was made in February 2023, following strong demand for its cloud solutions from both the public and private sectors. As the datacentre becomes operational, it is expected to be pivotal in driving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, fostering a global hub of innovation, trade, and investment. By enabling businesses in the region to leverage AI technologies and cutting-edge digital solutions, the datacentre will help drive economic growth and technological progress.

Eng Mohammed Al Robayan, the Deputy Minister for Technology at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the Kingdom’s potential to become a leader in technological innovation. He expressed pride in the progress of the Microsoft cloud region, noting its alignment with Saudi Arabia’s national goals. Al Robayan highlighted that the infrastructure will unlock new possibilities for businesses, helping them harness the power of AI and drive sustainable growth for the Kingdom and the broader region.

During the site visit, Microsoft executives, including Eoin Doherty, Vice President of Microsoft Cloud Operations + Innovation, and Turki Badhris, President of Microsoft Arabia, discussed the progress made on the datacentre region. Badhris noted that organizations in Saudi Arabia are increasingly leveraging the latest technologies, including AI, to drive innovation. With the help of the MCIT, Microsoft is committed to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global innovation hub, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure already supports numerous public and private sector organizations in Saudi Arabia. For instance, the Ministry of Education relies on Azure to host and secure its Madrasati platform, which manages remote learning activities, exams, and educational courses for 7 million students and teachers. Additionally, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has used Azure to develop and train its Arabic Large Language Model, ALLaM, a critical AI initiative in the Kingdom.

In addition to supporting technological advancements, Microsoft is committed to advancing AI literacy across Saudi Arabia. The company has launched several initiatives in collaboration with local partners, aiming to empower 100,000 Saudi nationals with vital AI skills by 2025. One such initiative is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in partnership with the MCIT, which will equip professionals with advanced AI and cloud computing skills. Furthermore, Microsoft and SDAIA have collaborated to establish the Microsoft AI Academy to build national AI capabilities. This includes programs like the Microsoft Azure Professional Certificate Program, designed to provide Saudi talent with globally recognized professional certifications.

These initiatives, combined with the new datacentre region, will contribute significantly to developing a future-ready workforce in Saudi Arabia, fostering economic growth, and driving innovation in the AI-driven digital economy. Microsoft’s investments in cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities underscore its long-term commitment to empowering organizations in Saudi Arabia and beyond to thrive in the new digital age.