By Charles Kennedy
Publication Date: 2026-02-12 18:45:00
Aramco has signed a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft to accelerate the deployment of industrial artificial intelligence and strengthen digital capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement builds on an existing collaboration between the two companies and centers on deploying AI-driven industrial solutions on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. The focus is on moving AI from pilot projects into core operational systems, with the stated goal of improving efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience across Aramco’s global energy operations.
At the heart of the MoU is a push to strengthen digital sovereignty and data governance. The companies will explore a roadmap for cloud deployment that incorporates sovereign controls and supports Saudi Arabia’s data residency requirements. This aligns with Riyadh’s broader push to localize critical digital infrastructure and ensure sensitive industrial data remains under national jurisdiction.
Operational optimization…