The Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in the UAE government has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft aimed at enabling local data processing.
This initiative will enhance the capabilities of Microsoft 365 Copilot across the nation, marking a groundbreaking move that positions the UAE at the forefront of global efforts to facilitate local data processing. This alignment aims to support the functionality of governmental entities and institutions, significantly contributing to the country’s visions in artificial intelligence while ensuring top standards of data security and sovereignty. The implementation of local processing will commence in 2026.
The processing will take place at Microsoft’s advanced cloud data centers located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This setup will enable users to confidently and securely leverage artificial intelligence’s transformative capabilities while meeting the objectives of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, and solidifying the UAE’s role as a global hub for AI governance.
Shaping the Future
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, stated that under the guidance of the nation’s leadership, the UAE continues to establish itself as a global leader in future industries. With a visionary approach, it aims to turn innovative ideas into unprecedented achievements, pushing the nation towards new horizons and enhancing its proactive role in the global transformation in economics and AI.
He added that the collaboration with Microsoft for developing sovereign AI infrastructure represents a purposeful step towards manifesting the UAE’s vision of building a future based on global partnerships. This reflects the country’s diligent efforts to empower governmental bodies in responsibly accelerating the adoption of AI while maintaining sovereignty over their data and ensuring the highest security standards.
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Council of the UAE Government, emphasized the alignment between the UAE’s initiatives and major global companies’ efforts, highlighting Microsoft’s proactive role in enabling secure AI services that support the country’s goals for developing resilient and secure digital systems, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leader in responsible AI.
Fostering Innovation
Yousef Al Shaybani, CEO of the Dubai Cyber Security Center, mentioned that local data processing for Copilot aligns with national cybersecurity frameworks and data governance, enhancing Dubai’s commitment to innovation in AI while simultaneously ensuring data safety and privacy. This initiative aims to unleash the full potential of artificial intelligence for maximal benefit.
Moreover, Mansoor Al Mansoori, COO of G42, emphasized the group’s strategic partnership with Microsoft as a leading enabler of AI initiatives for the UAE Government, commending this significant step towards innovation in AI, adopting secure AI solutions in line with the country’s objectives to empower government entities while maintaining high standards for data security.
A Pivotal Move
Amr Kamel, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, asserted that the partnership represents a pivotal step in Microsoft’s journey with the UAE, as this investment will facilitate the acceleration of AI adoption within the government sector through local processing of Copilot.
Interactions with Copilot will be stored and processed within the national borders, aligning with the nation’s digital sovereignty goals. Kamel praised the UAE leadership’s support for building a secure, responsible, and inclusive future for AI.
The local processing capabilities for Microsoft 365 Copilot interactions in the UAE will provide users with various benefits, including increased productivity through AI integration and enhanced regulatory compliance, as all data will be safely stored within national boundaries, thus optimizing performance and time management.
This new investment, which spans three countries globally, extends Microsoft’s ongoing efforts in the UAE, with expectations of creating over 152,000 new jobs through the Microsoft cloud ecosystem and a commitment to training one million talents in the field of artificial intelligence in the UAE by 2027.