Aramco, a Saudi-owned integrated energy and chemicals company, and Microsoft have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help Aramco explore a series of digital initiatives designed to accelerate industrial artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, enhance digital capabilities, and strengthen workforce development in Saudi Arabia.
In an official statement, Aramco explained that as part of its long-standing collaboration with Microsoft, it plans to explore a range of AI‑driven industrial solutions built on Microsoft Azure to help improve operational efficiency, elevate global competitiveness, and establish new models for technology‑enabled energy and industrial systems.
Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Executive Vice President of Technology & Innovation, Aramco, said, “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.”
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft, said, “Our focus is on building strong foundations – sovereign-ready digital infrastructure, trusted governance, and the skills needed for responsible industrial AI adoption. As a global industry leader, Aramco has the opportunity to set a reference for large-scale, responsible industrial AI transformation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Key areas of focus in the MoU include:
- Digital Sovereignty and Data Residency: Exploring the development of a roadmap for deploying solutions on the Microsoft cloud, enhanced with sovereign controls to further Aramco’s digital sovereignty objectives, including meeting national data residency requirements.
- Operational Efficiency & Digital Infrastructure: Discussing streamlining and optimizing digital frameworks that support Aramco’s global operations, and create a seamless digital infrastructure for the company.
- Industry Alliance Framework: Scoping possible engagements with Saudi Arabia’s technology integrators and industry collaborators in dialogue to broaden the adoption of AI across the industrial value chain in the Kingdom.
- Industrial AI IP co-innovation: Exploring the establishment of a global marketplace for innovative industrial AI solutions by co-developing and commercializing operational systems for the energy sector that set new standards of excellence and promote Saudi expertise internationally within the industry.
In addition, Aramco and Microsoft are exploring programs to help accelerate digital and technical skills development across the Kingdom. This includes building capabilities in AI engineering, cybersecurity, data governance, and product management, supported by measurable outcomes.