Laura Hyde |
Microsoft is to establish a Global Engineering Development Center in the United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi.
The new centre, which will be one of Microsoft’s first engineering centres in the Arab world, aims to develop artificial intelligence solutions, cloud technologies and advanced cybersecurity that will become part of Microsoft solutions globally.
As well as developing and creating new technologies, the centre hopes to attract emerging technology engineers from around the world to develop tailored solutions that tackle pressing challenges in critical industries globally.
“We are committed to ensuring transformative technologies, like AI, benefit everyone broadly and create local opportunity,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “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.”
The Microsoft Engineering Development Center, the latest in a series of investments by Microsoft in the UAE, aims to build on Microsoft’s strategic partnership with AI development company, G42.
“The establishment of Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi underscores the growing importance of the UAE as a hub for technological innovation,” said Peng Xiao, group CEO at G42. “While G42 and Microsoft have worked together in the past to drive advancements in AI and cloud infrastructure, this new centre will complement our collective efforts in building a more robust digital future for the region and beyond.”
The centre will play a key role in Microsoft’s efforts to equip the regional workforce with the skills necessary to effectively leverage the latest advancements in technology. To do this the centre will collaborate with local universities, training centres and government initiatives.
“By empowering youth, collaborating with academia and fostering IP creation, we are unlocking the region’s potential,” said Samer Abu-Ltaif, corporate vice president and president of Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Microsoft. “We are transitioning from consuming technology to contributing to its global creation. With a world-class Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi, we drive innovation and support organisations worldwide to stay competitive in a digital world.”