UAE: Microsoft expands Global Engineering Development Center to Abu Dhabi

Microsoft has announced the expansion of its Global Engineering Development Center to Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey to becoming a global technology leader. This strategic move not only reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to the region but also aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to foster innovation, talent, and digital transformation across various sectors.

The new center in Abu Dhabi is set to become a focal point for developing cutting-edge solutions, with a particular focus on cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. By expanding its footprint in the capital, Microsoft is capitalizing on the region’s fast-growing digital ecosystem and its highly skilled workforce. The center will provide opportunities for local talent to collaborate with Microsoft’s global teams, fostering the growth of next-generation digital solutions and encouraging knowledge transfer between global and regional markets.

,“As a hub of innovation, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to lead global efforts in AI, championing transformative solutions that benefit both people 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 us to drive positive, far-reaching impacts across industries and societies alike,” His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said.

Omar Saleh, Microsoft’s General Manager for UAE, emphasized the importance of this expansion: “This development underscores our commitment to empowering the UAE’s ambitions to lead in digital innovation. By establishing our engineering footprint in Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring the region’s brightest talent has access to global expertise and resources.”

In addition to providing technical advancements, the Abu Dhabi Engineering Development Center will drive efforts toward sustainability and diversity in tech. As part of Microsoft’s long-term global sustainability goals, the center will explore ways to integrate greener, more sustainable technologies into its operations and product development.

This expansion also dovetails with the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy and Vision 2030, which prioritize the development of a diversified knowledge-based economy. Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising technology hub, coupled with Microsoft’s innovation-led expertise, promises to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation agenda.

With this latest move, Microsoft continues to invest in the MENA region, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of technological advancements while also contributing to the global tech landscape. As the demand for advanced digital solutions grows, the expanded Global Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi is set to become a critical player in shaping the future of technology in the UAE and beyond.