Microsoft strengthens UAE AI infrastructure
UAE’s AI initiatives gain support as Microsoft enables in-country Copilot deployment to boost performance and trust.
Microsoft has announced a strategic investment to enable in-country data processing for Microsoft 365 Copilot in the UAE. The service will be available to qualified UAE organisations in early 2026, hosted in Microsoft’s Dubai and Abu Dhabi cloud centres for secure, local AI processing.
The move aligns with the UAE’s ambition to become a global AI hub, supported by initiatives such as the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI.
Government leaders emphasise that in-country AI infrastructure strengthens trust, cyber resilience, and innovation across ministries and public entities.
Collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) and the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) ensures Microsoft 365 Copilot complies with national AI policies and data governance standards.
Local processing cuts latency, protects data, and supports regulated environments, allowing government stakeholders to adopt AI securely.
Microsoft and its strategic partner G42 International highlight the initiative’s broader impact on the UAE’s digital economy. The project could create 152,000 jobs and train one million UAE learners in AI by 2027, supporting a secure and innovative digital future.
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