Microsoft unveils $15.2 billion AI investments in UAE

Core Insights - Microsoft announced a total investment of $15.2 billion in artificial intelligence and cloud computing in the UAE, with $7.3 billion already invested since 2023 and an additional $7.9 billion planned by the end of 2029 [1][2] Investment Details - Approximately two-thirds of the investment will be allocated to building AI and cloud data centers in the UAE, while one-third will cover local operating expenses [3] - The investments are supported by both the US and UAE governments and involve a partnership with G42, a sovereign AI company in the UAE [2][4] Regulatory Context - Microsoft was the first company to receive export licenses from the Trump administration to supply GPU chips to the UAE, amidst concerns about advanced chips potentially reaching rivals like China [3][4] - Updated licenses granted in September allow Microsoft to ship the equivalent of 60,400 additional A100 chips, including Nvidia's advanced GB300 GPUs, to support access to advanced AI models [5]