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Microsoft commits over $10 billion to Gulf tech buildout

Microsoft will pour more than $10 billion into the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait by 2030. The money covers new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure, cybersecurity upgrades, and digital education efforts. There's an extra $400 million set aside to expand undersea and land internet cables across the Middle East. Company President Brad Smith says the spending is ramping up despite regional conflicts.

Why it mattersThis puts major cloud infrastructure and digital capability in a region aiming to shift from oil to tech. The investment could also make the Gulf more resilient to cyberattacks and internet disruptions.

Sources covering this

Economic Times TechMicrosoft plans $10 billion-plus Gulf investment with focus on resilience6:42 PM →TechRadarMicrosoft unveils huge spending expansion in Middle East, with new multi-billion dollar sums going to Gulf States12:05 PM →

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