Microsoft Arabia and the National IT Academy (NITA) have launched the first Datacenter Academy (DCA) in the Middle East in Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of LEAP 2025.
The Microsoft DCA is a two-year commitment designed to empower students with a focus on developing applied datacenter skills, thereby enhancing their employability in high-demand technical roles while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth.
The goal of this initiative is to nurture Saudi Arabia’s national workforce, propel the growth of the region’s datacenter industry, elevate digital infrastructure, and drive innovation.
By providing professionals with the expertise needed to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals, the Academy supports Saudi Vision 2030 and the government’s objective to cement the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for datacenters and innovation.
The launch was announced shortly after Microsoft shared updates on the development of its datacenter region in the Kingdom; construction is complete on three Azure Availability Zones with availability anticipated in 2026.
Microsoft’s datacenter region in Saudi Arabia is expected to transform the Kingdom’s cloud market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.4 percent to reach $3.9 billion in 2027.
Nora Al-Shaikh Executive Director – NITA
“This partnership with Microsoft represents a significant milestone in our journey to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for datacenters. The Microsoft Data Center Academy will empower professionals with the expertise needed to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation and realize the ambitions of Vision 2030.”
The Microsoft Datacenter Academy is part of Microsoft’s commitment to providing accessible, practical, and high-quality training programs for the communities where it operates. By centering on areas such as IT support, cloud technologies, and datacenter operations, the Academy provides participants with globally recognized certifications and the skills necessary to succeed in high-demand technical roles.
In addition to introducing cutting-edge technology, the initiative also ensures that qualified NITA students have access to the specialized skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving datacenter industry.
“The launch of the first Microsoft Datacenter Academy in the Middle East underscores our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision to become a global hub for digital innovation. This academy will equip professionals with the highly specialized 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,” added Zainab Alamin, Microsoft Arabia vice president of national digital transformation.
The curriculum aligns with the core competencies essential for datacenter roles across the technology sector, encompassing datacenter infrastructure management, information-technology (IT) support, troubleshooting, and mechanical services. Additionally, it incorporates experiential training in advanced areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, automation, and cyber security.
After completion, students are eligible to earn either a certificate of completion or a diploma.
