Riyadh: On the sidelines of LEAP 2025, Microsoft Arabia and the National IT Academy (NITA) announced the U.S. software giant's first Datacenter Academy (DCA) in the Middle East would be launched in Saudi Arabia. The Microsoft DCA is a two-year commitment to empower students with a focus on building applied datacenter skills, thereby enhancing their employability in high-demand technical roles and contributing to the country's economic diversification.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the initiative aims to develop Saudi Arabia's national workforce, fostering a strong talent pool to lead the region's data center industry, enhance digital infrastructure, and boost innovation. The launch of the initiative also comes shortly after Microsoft shared updates on the development of its data center region in Saudi Arabia; construction is complete on three Azure Availability Zones with availability anticipated in 2026.
Microsoft's center region in Saudi Arabia is expected to have a transformative impact on the country's cloud market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.4% to reach $3.9 billion in 2027. The Microsoft Datacenter Academy builds on Microsoft's global efforts to provide accessible, practical, and high-quality training programs for the communities where it operates. By focusing on areas such as IT support, cloud technologies, and more center operations, the Academy equips participants with globally recognised certifications and the skills necessary to enter and excel in high-demand technical roles.
This initiative not only introduces advanced technology but also ensures that qualified NITA students have access to the specialised skills needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving data center industry.