At GITEX 2025 in Dubai, global technology giant Microsoft unveiled a series of significant strategic advancements, reinforcing its commitment to the MENA region’s digital transformation. The announcements spanned from a new vision for autonomous AI to critical updates on data sovereignty for UAE-based organizations, new hardware, and key cybersecurity insights.
The Dawn of Agentic AI
Microsoft introduced its vision for “agentic AI,” positioning it as the next major evolution beyond today’s generative AI assistants. This new paradigm aims to create more autonomous and adaptive AI systems that can not only respond to prompts but also proactively plan and execute complex tasks with a deeper understanding of context. This signals a strategic shift toward AI that acts as a collaborative partner rather than just a tool.
Sovereign Cloud Comes to UAE Copilot
In a move crucial for the region’s enterprise and government sectors, Microsoft announced that its Microsoft 365 Copilot services in the UAE will now support in-country data processing. This addresses key data sovereignty, compliance, and privacy requirements, enabling organizations to leverage advanced AI-powered productivity tools while ensuring their data remains within the UAE’s borders, in alignment with local regulations.
AI-Native Hardware with Surface Copilot+ PCs
The company launched a new generation of Surface Copilot+ PCs, engineered specifically for the AI era. These devices come with built-in 5G connectivity and are optimized for complex AI workloads and seamless cloud integration. The launch represents a push towards modern, AI-native hardware designed to replace legacy machines and provide the performance necessary for next-generation applications.
UAE Cyberthreat Landscape in Focus
Microsoft released its 2025 Digital Defense Report, highlighting emerging cyberthreats and the growing role of AI in security. The report provided specific insights for the MENA region, revealing that in the first half of 2025, the UAE ranked 9th globally and 2nd in the Middle East and Africa for the frequency of customers impacted by cyber activity. This data underscores the critical need for advanced, resilient security infrastructure as the region continues its rapid digitalization.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Source: Zawya
