Aramco collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate industrial AI

Aramco and Microsoft are building on their long-standing collaboration with an agreement that will help Aramco accelerate industrial AI adoption, enhance digital capabilities, and strengthen workforce development in Saudi Arabia as part of its broader digital transformation

Key areas of focus include:

• Digital Sovereignty and Data Residency: Exploring the development of a roadmap for deploying solutions on the Microsoft cloud, enhanced with sovereign controls to further Aramco’s digital sovereignty objectives
• Operational Efficiency & Digital Infrastructure: Discussing streamlining and optimising digital frameworks that support Aramco’s global operations
• Industry Alliance Framework: Scoping possible engagements with Saudi Arabia’s technology integrators and industry collaborators to broaden the adoption of AI across the industrial value chain in the Kingdom
• Industrial AI IP co-innovation: Exploring the establishment of a global marketplace for innovative industrial AI solutions by co-developing and commercialising operational systems for the energy sector that set new standards of excellence and promote Saudi expertise internationally within the industry.

Aramco and Microsoft are also exploring initiatives to help accelerate digital and technical skills development across the Kingdom, including building capabilities in AI engineering, cybersecurity, data governance, and product management. Microsoft is already training thousands of Saudi learners across cloud, AI, and data programmes.

Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Aramco executive vice president of Technology & Innovation, said: “Aramco is 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.”

Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, said, “This marks the next step in our long-standing collaboration with Aramco, exploring how industrial AI can move from pilots into core operations to improve efficiency and resilience at scale. Our focus is on building strong foundations – sovereign-ready digital infrastructure, trusted governance, and the skills needed for responsible industrial AI adoption.

"As a global industry leader, Aramco has the opportunity to set a reference for large-scale, responsible industrial AI transformation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

See more on Aramco’s AI innovation here: https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/magazines/orme_2025_12_22/spread/?page=22
https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/aramco-highlights-its-ai-leadership-at-world-economic-forum