Microsoft develops software, devices, and cloud services. Windows is an operating system that runs on personal computers, Office provides productivity apps, and Azure offers cloud computing and developer tools. The company differentiates itself with a large, integrated ecosystem of software, devices, and services, plus long-standing partnerships with PC makers and a broad enterprise footprint. Its goal is to put a computer on every desk and in every home, and to extend that reach through cloud services, professional networking (LinkedIn), and gaming.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Redmond, Washington
Founded
1975
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Microsoft is investing $10 billion in four Persian Gulf countries through 2030 to build infrastructure and strengthen cyber security. Microsoft President Brad Smith warned that AI safety progress cannot depend on just two companies alone. He emphasised the need for independent evaluators in the AI sector. Smith made these comments during an interview with Bloomberg. The investment represents Microsoft's continued expansion in the Middle East region. The company aims to develop robust digital infrastructure whilst addressing security concerns.
Microsoft announced plans to invest more than $10 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure across Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates by 2030. The figure covers both capital and operating expenses. The company will also spend over $400 million on subsea and terrestrial connectivity in the Middle East. Microsoft is already involved in the SeaMeWe-6 subsea cable system, which has landings in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Digital resilience is a core focus of the strategy. Microsoft said it would offer organisations resilience assessments, continuity planning, and data-protection programmes in the four countries. The announcement includes partnerships with Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN, Abu Dhabi's G42, and Qatar's QAI. Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42 for a minority stake in 2024.
Donald Trump's July periodic transaction report revealed 1,156 trades, including sales of Microsoft and Amazon shares worth up to $25 million each. According to Trump's representatives, third-party managers conducted the trades as part of a daily tax-loss harvesting strategy. Tax-loss harvesting involves selling securities at a loss to offset realised gains, potentially adding 1% to 2% in after-tax returns during early years. The strategy only benefits investors with taxable accounts, realised gains, and high marginal tax rates, providing no advantage in retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs. The high trade volume reflects tax optimisation rather than investment conviction. Microsoft closed at $498 with a market capitalisation near $3.7 trillion. The company's Azure revenue surpassed $100 billion, up 41%, whilst Microsoft guided calendar 2026 capital expenditures to approximately $175 billion.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is set to attend a White House state dinner honouring Chinese President Xi Jinping on 24 September, alongside leaders from Apple, OpenAI, and Nvidia, according to Bloomberg. The event comes as Microsoft posted record fiscal 2026 results, with annual revenue topping $331 billion, up 18%. Azure crossed the $100 billion mark with 41% annual growth, whilst CFO Amy Hood noted demand continues to exceed available supply. Microsoft 365 Copilot paid seats surpassed 30 million, with quarterly additions more than doubling. Nadella has emphasised AI sovereignty as a key theme, with companies and countries seeking control over their data and models. Microsoft now supports over 11,000 models across its Azure platform and has expanded its Sovereign Cloud partnerships.
Microsoft has opened a quantum computing research centre in Maryland, giving the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency direct access to its latest quantum hardware for independent testing. The facility, located at the University of Maryland's Discovery District near Washington, houses a quantum system using Microsoft's Majorana 2 chip. Previously, DARPA evaluated Microsoft's technology remotely from machines in Redmond and Europe. The new arrangement allows DARPA experts physical access to load hardware and run their own tests. DARPA is evaluating multiple quantum firms to determine whether any approach can yield economically feasible systems by 2033. The system in Maryland will be built to accommodate future chips Microsoft is developing. Microsoft plans to have commercial quantum systems ready by 2029.