Microsoft opens three new Azure data zones in Saudi Arabia to advance AI adoption
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Microsoft has completed three new availability zones in its Azure data center region in Saudi Arabia, expanding the country’s cloud infrastructure and support for artificial intelligence projects.
The new zones provide sovereign cloud capabilities that let government entities and private companies use generative AI tools while staying within national data regulations. Microsoft said the rollout aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to strengthen digital sovereignty and technology capacity.
In its latest AI Diffusion 2025 Report, Microsoft ranked Saudi Arabia among the top three countries in the Middle East and Africa for AI adoption and among the top 25 worldwide. About one-third of users in the Kingdom now use AI-powered tools.
More than one million people have participated in Microsoft training programs over the past two years. These include SDAIA’s SAMAI initiative, training for women in tech and partnerships with over 40 universities through the AI Academy and Microsoft Center of Excellence.
Saudi companies are also applying Azure AI in their operations. Maaden reports monthly time savings exceeding 2,000 hours through Microsoft 365 Copilot and Azure OpenAI. Obeikan Investment Group linked 1,200 machines using its O3ai platform, increasing productivity by 30 percent. Saudia Airlines and ACWA Power have also built AI applications to enhance service quality and safety.
Microsoft said its work in Saudi Arabia will continue through partnerships tied to Expo 2030, the 2034 World Cup and major national projects, including NEOM, Qiddiya and the Red Sea development.