Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Aramco, one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of industrial artificial intelligence (AI), enhance digital capabilities, and strengthen workforce development in Saudi Arabia.

Supported by Microsoft, Aramco will explore a series of digital initiatives designed to drive its broader digital transformation, the company announced in a recent statement.

The MoU includes several areas of focus, notably digital sovereignty and data residency, operational efficiency and digital infrastructure, industry alliance framework, and industrial AI IP co-innovation.

Aramco will also explore various 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 Al Khowaiter, Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation, affirmed the company’s commitment to driving the energy sector’s digital transformation by creating a secure, intelligent, and collaborative digital ecosystem.

“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,” he added.

In turn, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, stated that the partnership marks the next step in Microsoft’s long-standing collaboration with Aramco, exploring how industrial AI can move from pilots into core operations to improve efficiency and resilience at scale.

Aramco and Microsoft will also explore programs to help accelerate digital and technical skills development across Saudi Arabia. This includes building capabilities in AI engineering, cybersecurity, data governance, and product management, supported by measurable outcomes.