Microsoft has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Aramco to help bolster the energy giant’s artificial intelligence expertise and expand workforce training, alongside a broader agreement to boost Saudi Arabia’s AI capabilities.
As part of the collaboration, Aramco plans to explore AI driven industrial solutions built on the Microsoft Azure platform to help improve operational efficiency, make the firm more competitive globally and develop new models for energy and industrial systems.
Aramco identities four main areas of focus under the MoU.
Digital sovereignty and data residency is one priority: Aramco wants to explore options for using the Microsoft cloud, with added controls, to further Aramco’s digital sovereignty objectives, such as ensuring some types of sensitive and personally identifiable data are stored within Saudi Arabia,
Another area of focus is streamlining and optimizing digital frameworks that support Aramco’s global operations to create a unified digital infrastructure for the company.
The partnership will also look at ways to further wider industry alliances by investigating possible tie-ups with Saudi Arabia’s technology integrators and industry collaborators to enhance adoption of AI across the Kingdom’s industrial value chain.
Finally Aramco and Microsoft will explore how to establish a global marketplace for innovative industrial AI solutions by co-developing and commercialising operational systems for the energy sector that promote Saudi expertise internationally within the industry.
“In partnership with Microsoft, we seek to further scale cutting-edge digital and AI solutions in that sector to achieve efficiency and innovation, without compromising the highest standards of security and governance,” Ahmad Al Khowaiter, Aramco’s Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, said.
This is the latest in a string of agreements Aramco has signed with Microsoft and other technology companies, which have helped drive productive use of AI-driven applications by the company.
Amin Nasser, Aramco’s CEO told the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year that artificial intelligence and advanced technologies had generated an estimated $3bn-5bn in realised value for the firm in 2025.
Training drive
Saudi Arabia and Microsoft are also developing programmes to help accelerate digital and technical skills development beyond Aramco, across Saudi Arabia, particularly in AI engineering, cybersecurity, data governance, and product management.
Microsoft already trains thousands of Saudis on use of cloud, AI, and data applications. Now, the global tech company plans to help a further three million people across the kingdom acquire AI skills by 2030. As part of this, Microsoft has announced the launch of a new programme to strengthen AI capability across the Saudi education system.
Microsoft said it also plans to expand digital and AI skills among women in Saudi Arabia through training, mentorship, and career-focused learning opportunities.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said at a launch event in the kingdom that, by combining cloud infrastructure with large-scale skilling efforts, the firm was helping build an AI-ready workforce in Saudi Arabia that could turn innovation into productivity, economic growth and lasting national advantage.
“Countries that lead in AI are those that invest not only in technology, but in people. Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions are underpinned by a clear focus on skills, trust and long-term impact,” he said
(Photo: Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President/Microsoft)
