On the sidelines of LEAP 2025, Microsoft Arabia and the National IT Academy (NITA) have announced the establishment of the first Microsoft Datacentre Academy (DCA) in the Middle East, based in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative, spanning two years, is aimed at equipping students with practical datacentre skills to improve employability in technical roles and contribute to the country’s economic diversification.
The programme seeks to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s national workforce by developing a skilled talent pool capable of leading the region’s datacentre industry, enhancing digital infrastructure, and fostering innovation.
By providing specialised training, the Academy aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and supports the government’s goal of positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for datacentres and technological advancement.
The launch follows Microsoft’s recent update on the progress of its datacentre region in Saudi Arabia, where construction has been completed on three Azure Availability Zones, with availability expected in 2026.
The development is projected to significantly impact the Kingdom’s cloud market, which is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23.4 per cent, reaching $3.9 billion by 2027.
Nora Al-Shaikh, Executive Director of NITA, described the collaboration as a significant step towards Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the datacentre sector.
“This partnership with Microsoft represents a significant milestone in our journey to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for datacentres. The Microsoft Datacentre Academy will empower professionals with the expertise needed to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation and realise the ambitions of Vision 2030.”
The Microsoft Datacentre Academy builds on the company’s global efforts to provide accessible and high-quality training in the communities where it operates.
The programme focuses on IT support, cloud technologies, and datacentre operations, equipping participants with internationally recognised certifications and the expertise required for high-demand technical roles.
NITA students will gain specialised skills to navigate the evolving datacentre sector.
Zainab Alamin, Vice President of National Digital Transformation at Microsoft Arabia, emphasised the Academy’s role in advancing the Kingdom’s digital sector.
“This academy will equip professionals with the highly specialised technical skills needed to thrive in the era of AI. Through this initiative, we are fostering local talent, creating new economic opportunities, and preparing the Kingdom’s workforce to lead in the next generation of digital transformation.”
The curriculum has been designed to meet key competencies required in datacentre roles across the technology sector, covering infrastructure management, IT support, troubleshooting, and mechanical services.
It also includes hands-on training in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation, and cybersecurity.
Students who complete the programme will be eligible for a certificate of completion or a diploma, providing them with formal recognition of their expertise and readiness for employment in the growing datacentre industry.
Featured image credit: edited from Microsoft
