Microsoft, NITA Launch First Datacenter Academy in MENA

At LEAP 2025, Microsoft Arabia, in partnership with the National IT Academy (NITA), unveiled the first Microsoft Datacenter Academy (DCA) in the Middle East, based in Saudi Arabia. This two-year initiative aims to equip students with practical skills in datacenter management, enhancing their employability in high-demand technical roles and supporting the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.

The Microsoft DCA is designed to develop a strong local workforce capable of leading the region’s datacenter industry, improving digital infrastructure, and fostering innovation. By offering specialized training in areas such as IT support, cloud technologies, and datacenter operations, the academy will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aligning with the government’s goal to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for datacenters and innovation.

This announcement follows Microsoft’s update on its datacenter region in Saudi Arabia, where construction of three Azure Availability Zones has been completed. The new datacenter region is expected to transform the Kingdom’s cloud market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.4% to reach $3.9 billion by 2027.

Nora Al-Shaikh, Executive Director of NITA, commented: “This partnership with Microsoft is a significant milestone in our journey to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for datacenters. The Microsoft Datacenter Academy will empower professionals with the expertise needed to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation and realize the ambitions of Vision 2030.”

The Academy’s curriculum is designed to align with essential competencies for datacenter roles, covering infrastructure management, IT support, troubleshooting, and mechanical services. Students will also receive training in advanced fields such as Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, automation, and cybersecurity. Graduates can earn either a certificate of completion or a diploma.

Zainab Alamin, VP of National Digital Transformation at Microsoft Arabia, said: “The launch of the first Microsoft Datacenter Academy in the Middle East demonstrates our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for digital innovation. This academy will empower professionals with specialized skills needed for the AI-driven future, creating new economic opportunities and preparing the Kingdom’s workforce for the next generation of digital transformation.”

The Microsoft Datacenter Academy builds on the company’s global efforts to provide accessible, high-quality training programs to communities, ensuring that students are equipped with globally recognized certifications and the skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving datacenter industry.