Microsoft has achieved a significant milestone by completing the construction of three Azure availability zones in Saudi Arabia. This development is crucial in meeting the demand for Microsoft’s secure cloud services among government entities and key industries within the Kingdom.
The datacenter region, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, is expected to be operational by 2026. It will feature independent power, cooling, and networking infrastructures, ensuring low latency and high availability for seamless cloud operations.
As part of Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure, the Saudi datacenter will uphold standards of reliability, security, and customer privacy. This aligns with Microsoft’s mission to empower individuals and organizations worldwide through responsible cloud practices, including security and compliance.
Microsoft’s long-standing presence in Saudi Arabia underscores its commitment to driving technological and economic growth. The datacenter region supports Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to position the Kingdom as a global innovation hub.
Eng Mohammed Al Robayan from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology emphasized the Kingdom’s potential as a technological leader. The new infrastructure will enable businesses to explore AI and drive sustainable growth.
Microsoft Arabia’s President, Turki Badhris, noted the Kingdom’s eagerness to leverage advanced technologies. The collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology highlights progress and commitment to innovation.
Microsoft Azure is already a trusted platform for many organizations, including Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education, which uses it to manage the Madrasati platform. Additionally, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority developed its Arabic Large Language Model on Azure’s infrastructure.
Microsoft is also focused on advancing AI literacy in Saudi Arabia. By 2025, it aims to equip 100,000 nationals with essential AI skills through various initiatives and partnerships, including a Center of Excellence and the Microsoft AI Academy.
These endeavors, alongside the datacenter region, are pivotal in developing a future-ready workforce and fostering economic growth in an AI-driven world.