Microsoft is set to establish an Azure cloud region in Kuwait.
The cloud giant announced a strategic partnership with the Government of Kuwait on March 6, that will see it develop an "AI powered" Azure region in the country.
The cloud region will offer "advanced infrastructure" and is hoped to attract global businesses and researchers, and to help accelerate digital transformation in line with Kuwait's Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to turn Kuwait into a "financial and trade hub regionally and internationally."
Details about timelines or an investment commitment for the cloud region have not been shared by the company.
H.E. Minister of State for Communication Affairs, Omar Saud Al-Omar, said: "This partnership with Microsoft is a transformative milestone towards utilizing AI technologies to drive economic diversification and enhance the nation’s position in innovation, trade, and investment. The AI powered Azure Region will address both national and local challenges, creating a robust AI ecosystem that fuels economic growth, improves public services, and prepares the workforce for the future."
Judson Althoff, EVP and CCO at Microsoft, added: “We are proud to partner with the Government of the State of Kuwait to accelerate AI Transformation and unlock innovation across the country.
"Through the launch of our new AI powered Azure Region, we are building the cloud infrastructure necessary to enhance public services, drive economic growth, and create greater value for Kuwait’s citizens and residents. Our partnership will also integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot across government operations to empower professionals with AI solutions that drive greater creativity, productivity, and efficiency.”
Microsoft has cloud regions in several countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, the UAE, and Israel. In December 2024, the company completed construction of its Saudi Arabia cloud region, set to go live in 2026.
In addition to establishing a cloud region in Kuwait, Microsoft will set up a Microsoft Technology Innovation Hub that will operate an AI Innovation Center in the country, and will collaborate with the government on a Cybersphere initiative to improve cybersecurity in the country.
The government of Kuwait will also give its employees access to Microsoft 635 Copilot to help improve efficiency across its departments.
“We are dedicated to supporting the Government of Kuwait in their cloud transformation journey and in utilizing cutting-edge AI solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency across the public sector. This partnership will strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure and promote sustainable economic growth,” said Samer Abu-Ltaif, president of Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Google shared plans to set up a cloud region in Kuwait in January 2023. That announcement similarly came in partnership with the Kuwait government, along with a commitment to digitize government services, migrate and store the government’s data, and set up a national digital skills program.
Kuwait does not have a large data center market. DataCenterMap lists four facilities in the country, operated by Zajil Telecom, STC, and Ooredoo.
