Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Escalating tensions turn spotlight on Big Tech’s AI investments in Middle East in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Countries in the Middle East are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, semiconductor partnerships and cloud computing as part of broader transformation plans designed to attract foreign capital and build domestic technology ecosystems.
Here are some of the Big Tech investment plans in the region:
Microsoft
Microsoft said it will invest $15.2 billion in the United Arab Emirates between 2023 and 2029, driven by its expanding AI partnership with sovereign AI firm G42.
The company said it has already spent $7.3 billion, including a $1.5 billion stake in G42 and more than $4.6 billion on AI and cloud data-center capacity.
Microsoft said in November that from 2026 through 2029 it plans to spend more than $7.9 billion in the UAE, as part of its $15.2 billion investment plan.
Amazon.com
Amazon Web Services said it will invest more than $5.3 billion to build a new data-center region in Saudi Arabia by 2026, bolstering the kingdom’s push to become a regional tech hub ahead of World Expo 2030.
The Amazon unit said the investment includes programs to train local cloud talent and will give businesses and developers in-country access to its full suite of cloud and AI services.
Alphabet
Google Cloud and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have said they will invest $10 billion to build and operate a global AI hub in the kingdom, launched with local tech firm Humain. The project was first announced in 2024.
Oracle
Oracle said it will invest $1.5 billion to expand its cloud infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including a new public cloud region in Riyadh and increased capacity at its existing Jeddah site, as part of an agreement with the communications ministry.
Separately, Oracle and Nvidia said in late 2025 that they are deepening their partnership to support sovereign AI projects, including work with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement to build secure AI-first government systems.