Microsoft, Kuwait plan new AI-ready Azure region
Wide-ranging agreement includes new Microsoft Technology Innovation Hub
#Kuwait #AIcloud - Microsoft will establish its first Azure Region in Kuwait following the signing of a wide-ranging digital transformation partnership agreement with the Government of Kuwait to drive the country’s digital economy, aligned with Kuwait's Vision 2035. The US software giant will also establish a Technology Innovation Hub, which will include an AI Innovation Center and a Cloud Center of Excellence. Meanwhile the deal confirms a pioneering plan to integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot AI assistant throughout government organisations in Kuwait. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Kuwait's Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) and the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).
SO WHAT? - Microsoft currently has two active Azure Regions in the Gulf, one located in Dubai, UAE and one located in Doha, Qatar. However, the global tech firm also has a cloud region planned for Abu Dhabi, plus Azure Regions planned for Damman and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The building construction for the Dammam data centre was completed in December. So, the addition of a new Kuwait region will ultimately bring the number of Microsoft Azure Regions in the Gulf to six.
Here are the key details of the Microsoft announcement:
Microsoft has signed a wide-ranging strategic partnership agreement with the Government of Kuwait, aligning with the national Vision 2035, which includes plans to establish the country’s first Azure Region.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Kuwait's Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) and the Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA).
Under the agreement Microsoft will establish an AI-ready Azure Region to meet growing demand for high-performance computing and reliable access to cloud services across Kuwait. However, no indication was given on what the timescale was for launching the new cloud region.
Microsoft will open a Technology Innovation Hub incorporating an AI Innovation Centre focused on developing AI solutions for national challenges, and a Cloud Centre of Excellence to support local cloud knowledge and adoption.
The partnership agreement also confirmed government plans to deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot to government employees across the government sector, positioning Kuwait’s government as a pioneer in the region.
To support the government’s effort, Microsoft will create a Copilot Centre of Excellence to provide expert guidance and resources for professionals to create applications using Copilot that enhance efficiency and productivity in government services.
Microsoft and Kuwait will also collaborate on the Cybersphere initiative to strengthen government cybersecurity by deploying Microsoft's intelligence platform and security tools.
Microsoft will also lead a comprehensive skilling programme to equip Kuwait's workforce with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Last month the Direct Investment Promotion Authority announced that it approved the establishment of Microsoft Kuwait, with initial capital of $1 million.
ZOOM OUT - The GCC’s cloud services market is becoming highly competitive with billions of dollars being invested in cloud data centre infrastructure, with much of this investment focus on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Alibaba, Amazon Web Services (AWS)), Cisco, IBM, Microsoft and Oracle all building out infrastructure and services. However, most new cloud regions that have been announced remain in planning or construction phases. AWS has a public cloud region in Bahrain and one in the UAE (with three availability zones). Oracle currently has two active cloud regions in Saudi Arabia and two active cloud regions in the UAE. Meanwhile, Microsoft has one active Azure Region in the UAE, and one in Qatar. The planned Kuwait Azure Region brings the number of cloud regions in its pipeline to four, joining new planned regions for Abu Dhabi, Dammam and Riyadh, plus an expansion of its Qatar Azure Region.
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