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Microsoft Says it Aims to Make Saudi Arabia Global Innovation Hub

Turki Badhris, head of Microsoft Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Badhris, head of Microsoft Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Microsoft Says it Aims to Make Saudi Arabia Global Innovation Hub

Turki Badhris, head of Microsoft Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Turki Badhris, head of Microsoft Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Microsoft recently announced a major partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Investment under an initiative focused on innovation.

This move aims to push Saudi Arabia to the forefront of global technology, especially in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things(IoT).

Turki Badhris, head of Microsoft Arabia, explained in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat during the “Leap 24” exhibition in Riyadh this month that the initiative aims to introduce over 70 of Microsoft’s partners to Saudi Arabia’s potential.

It also aims to support the Kingdom’s ambition to become a key innovation center in line with its national transformational plan, Vision 2030.

Badhris explained that the initiative aims to showcase the Kingdom’s potential and attract companies and investors with incentives.

This reflects Microsoft’s commitment to being a leader in AI, stressed Badhris.

The planned cloud data center in the Kingdom is expected to spur economic growth and diversification.

Badhris emphasized in his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that this will contribute to Saudi Arabia's economic growth and diversification, in line with Microsoft’s vision to empower institutions of all sizes across sectors through advanced AI models.

The company’s investments aim to establish a vibrant tech ecosystem, boosting the Kingdom’s status as an innovation and investment hub.

Numerous institutions from various sectors are keen to utilize Microsoft’s cloud data centers to speed up digital transformations and drive innovation.

According to Badhris, these cloud data centers will have a positive impact on the Kingdom's economic growth, with forecasts suggesting that Microsoft, its partners, and cloud users could generate approximately $24 billion in new revenue over the next four years, surpassing 2022 levels.

The fast-paced evolution of cloud technology and AI highlights the crucial need for workforce development across all industries to boost their digital skills and address skill gaps in emerging tech.

Microsoft is actively working to equip the national workforce with the necessary skills for innovation and technology leadership, affirmed Badhris.

He stressed Microsoft’s role in preparing current and future workers in the Kingdom to embrace upcoming innovations and leverage emerging technologies like AI.

Saudi Arabia’s booming startup scene, the largest in the region, saw the birth of approximately 1,500 startups last year alone, buoyed by various government support programs, according to Badhris.

The head of Microsoft Arabia emphasized the company’s dedication to nurturing innovation through collaborations aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurs.

In a joint effort with the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Microsoft announced the establishment of an Excellence Center in early March.

This initiative aims to equip professionals across the Kingdom with the advanced skills needed to thrive in the digital age and enhance their employability prospects.

Saudi Arabia’s national workforce program has equipped over 108,000 professionals in the Kingdom with the latest digital skills crucial for success in the AI era.

Microsoft, alongside the Ministry of Education, has trained over 250,000 teachers in the past two years and reached 5.6 million students through the “Madrasati” coding program.

Furthermore, more than 70,000 individuals have benefited from Microsoft Learn, completing 18,000 educational paths.

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Business

Saudia to Launch Riyadh-Kozhikode Flights in February

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
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Saudia to Launch Riyadh-Kozhikode Flights in February

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo

Saudia Airlines has added Kozhikode, India, to its network of scheduled international destinations, marking its seventh destination in the country alongside Bangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow, as part of the airline’s strategy to reach new international markets, connect the Kingdom to the world through its modern fleet, and strengthen its global competitive position, SPA reported.

Flights to Kozhikode will begin on February 1, 2026, with four weekly departures from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Reservations are available through the airline’s website and mobile applications.

The addition of Kozhikode further expands Saudia's growing operational network, which now covers over 100 destinations across four continents and operates more than 550 domestic and international flights daily.

Business

Egypt Signs Renewable Energy Deals Worth $1.8 Billion

The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
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Egypt Signs Renewable Energy Deals Worth $1.8 Billion

The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
The Wolf Moon, the first supermoon of 2026, lights up the night sky in Cairo, Egypt, January 3, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Egypt has signed renewable energy deals worth a combined $1.8 billion, state TV reported on Sunday.

Among the deals were contracts with Norwegian renewable energy developer Scatec and China's Sungrow.

Egypt hopes to have renewable energy reach 42% of its electricity generation mix by 2030, but officials say the goal will be ⁠at risk without more international support.

The first project will be the construction by Scatec of a solar energy plant to generate electricity and energy storage stations in Upper Egypt's Minya, ⁠an Egyptian cabinet statement said.

It would have a generation capacity of 1.7 gigawatts supported by battery storage systems with total capacity of 4 gigawatt hours.

A second project will be a Sungrow factory to manufacture energy storage batteries at the Suez Canal Economic Zone. A share of the factory's output ⁠would be supplied to the first project, the cabinet said.

The deals also include power purchase agreements, with Scatec signing a deal for total capacity of 1.95 gigawatts and 3.9 gigawatt hours of battery storage systems, the Norwegian company said in a statement.

Business

Iraq Says Gas Flaring to Reach Zero by End-2028

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference
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Iraq Says Gas Flaring to Reach Zero by End-2028

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inspects the electricity ministry pavilion at the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Saturday that the government is moving forward with the development of clean and renewable energy sectors.

Speaking at the opening of the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference, al-Sudani said Iraq has made significant progress in capturing associated gas, with the rate of flaring reduced by more than 72%.

He said flaring will be fully eliminated by the end of 2028.

“We have infrastructure projects at the level of the Ministry of Oil that ensure export capacity and the diversification of export outlets,” al-Sudani said, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

He added that Iraq is holding talks with international companies to invest in associated gas and free gas in oil fields and exploration blocks, expressing hope that the conference would help reinforce this direction. He said the government has also moved toward establishing a permanent platform to secure Iraq’s gas needs through imports or future exports.

Al-Sudani stated that the Ministry of Electricity is working to increase power generation under an ambitious plan that exceeds 57,000 megawatts through the Siemens and GE project.

He added that the ministry is also advancing renewable energy projects, both large and small, with a plan at the district and subdistrict levels in Baghdad and other provinces to transition to renewable energy, which is expected to be implemented by next summer.

He said the government is placing strong emphasis on both conventional and renewable energy in a way that ensures sustainable development.

Al-Sudani stated that the exhibition showcases Iraq’s position as a promising market with significant opportunities in the energy sector, through various projects, partnerships, and investment opportunities.

He said the government has made significant progress in boosting energy production through major oil projects in partnership with global companies, including TotalEnergies and BP, adding that talks are ongoing with ExxonMobil, Chevron, and other international firms.

Talks with Chevron

Iraq’s Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said talks are underway with Chevron regarding the West Qurna 2 oil field, which is operated by Lukoil and represents the company’s largest foreign asset.

Chevron and Exxon Mobil are among the potential bidders for Lukoil’s overseas assets following the imposition of US sanctions on the Russian oil producer.

Speaking to reporters after the opening of the energy exhibition and conference, Abdul Ghani stated that negotiations with Chevron over the West Qurna 2 field in Basra province are ongoing.

He added that Basra Oil Company, the second partner in the field, has not yet taken over operations following Lukoil’s withdrawal.

Al-Sudani opened the 11th edition of the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference in Baghdad on Saturday, with the participation of more than 450 local, Arab, and international companies specializing in energy and investment.

The event runs for three days.

The Iraqi Company for Exhibitions and Commercial Services said the conference, held at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds from Jan. 10 to 12, will feature panel discussions, specialized workshops, and meetings aimed at supporting the energy sector and expanding partnership and investment opportunities, with participation from more than 450 companies.

Iranian gas

Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity said there are no indications that Iranian gas supplies will resume soon.

A ministry spokesperson stated that media outlets were notified via a message from Iran on Telegram, which indicated that gas supplies had been halted due to low temperatures and Tehran’s domestic gas needs.

Iraq announced in December that Iranian gas supplies had ceased, resulting in the shutdown of some power generation units and load reductions at others. The Ministry of Electricity said the grid lost between 4,000 and 4,500 megawatts as a result.

Iran supplies between 30% and 40% of Iraq’s gas and electricity needs.

Electricity ministry officials previously stated that peak winter demand in Iraq reaches approximately 48,000 megawatts, while domestic production stands at around 27,000 megawatts, forcing the country to rely on imports to bridge the gap.