Microsoft brings first Data Centre Academy to the Middle East
Microsoft partners with NITA to develop skilled data centre workforce
#Saudi #LEAP25 - Microsoft has announced its first Data Centre Academy in the Middle East, partnering with NITA, a Saudi non-profit training institution, to equip local talent with advanced digital skills. The initiative aims to support Saudi Arabia’s massive growth in the data centre sector and its bold ambition to become a global data and AI hub.. The academy will provide hands-on training, professional certifications, and mentorship to develop a job-ready workforce. The launch marks a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s digital economy talent.
SO WHAT? - Saudi Arabia’s focus on AI and data infrastructure has attracted regional and global investment, the world’s biggest hyperscalers and AI technology from all over the world. The Saudi training institution NITA was established by Saudi Aramco, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), and Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST). Microsoft’s partnership with these four key stakeholders in the Kingdom’s digital transformation will allow the new academy to scale quickly to train local talent, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the data centre sector.
Here are some key points about the announcement:
Microsoft has announced its first Data Centre Academy in the Middle East, in partnership with NITA, a Saudi non-profit training institution, to equip local talent with advanced digital skills. The Academy will provide training and certifications to support Saudi’s AI and digital ambitions.
NITA was founded by four key stakeholders; Saudi Aramco, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Technical & Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), and Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST).
Training will include hands-on experience in simulation labs, curriculum alignment, scholarships, mentorship, and work placements.
Microsoft’s global Data Centre Academy programme started in 2018 and now operates in 11 locations globally. However, the new Saudi Data Centre Academy is the first in the Middle East region.
The Saudi academy will support both Microsoft data centres in the region and the broader data industry, enhancing Saudi’s role as a global digital hub.
The programme provides access to scalable tools and industry-aligned certifications to improve employability in high-demand IT roles.
ZOOM OUT - The launch of the Data Centre Academy reflects a broader trend of investment in digital infrastructure across the Middle East. Governments and businesses are prioritising AI, cloud computing, and data centre expansion to drive economic growth. Microsoft and other global tech leaders have significantly increased their investment in the region over the past few years with Saudi Arabia becoming a key destination for digital infrastructure-related foreign direct investment (FDI).
[ This newsletter was AI & human written + AI human edited ]