Microsoft Appoints Ayman Al-Ghamdi as Head of Microsoft Arabia

Microsoft has announced the appointment of Ayman Al-Ghamdi as the head of Microsoft Arabia, effective July 5, 2026.

Al-Ghamdi brings 14 years of experience at Microsoft, most recently serving as Vice President for the Public Sector in Saudi Arabia, where he worked closely with government entities and national institutions to support their transformation in artificial intelligence, accelerate cloud computing adoption, and enhance digital services for citizens and businesses. In his new role as head of Microsoft Arabia, he will continue to build on a partnership spanning over two decades in the Kingdom by integrating cloud computing platforms, artificial intelligence, data, cybersecurity, productivity tools, partner capabilities, and national skills programs to help organizations create value across various sectors.

Naim Yazbeck, President of Microsoft Middle East and Africa, stated, "Ayman's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Saudi Arabia's journey in artificial intelligence. We are witnessing an exceptional pace driven by a clear national vision, as government leaders, clients, and partners move from ambition to execution. With Microsoft continuing its role as a trusted partner for the Kingdom in AI, Ayman's deep experience in the public sector and understanding of the local market will be crucial in supporting institutions to build trust, skills, and develop digital capabilities on a large scale."

Throughout his career at Microsoft, Al-Ghamdi has contributed to developing significant partnerships across the public sector, supporting institutions in adopting cloud computing and AI technologies to improve services, enhance operational efficiency, and build long-term digital capabilities. His leadership has also supported Microsoft's work with key national entities, including efforts related to the company's roadmap for cloud computing and AI in the Kingdom.

In a statement on the occasion, Ayman Al-Ghamdi, Head of Microsoft Arabia, said, "As a proud Saudi, this appointment holds special meaning for me. I have witnessed firsthand how government entities in the Kingdom are leading the pace of AI adoption, not as a futuristic concept, but as a practical tool to improve services, enhance efficiency, and create value on a wide scale. With the Kingdom naming 2026 as the Year of AI and continuing its progress towards Vision 2030, our priority will be to continue working closely with our clients, partners, and teams, ensuring that Microsoft continues to deliver the full potential of its ecosystem, from cloud computing and AI to security, data, and skills, to support the next phase of digital growth in the Kingdom."

Microsoft has been present in Saudi Arabia for over two decades, supporting digital transformation across key sectors including government, energy, aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and major national projects. Recent highlights include the anticipated cloud region in the Kingdom and the commitment to empower 3 million people with AI skills by 2030.

As President, Al-Ghamdi will lead Microsoft Arabia's work with clients, partners, and national institutions to accelerate the adoption of trusted AI, strengthen cloud computing and data foundations, expand digital skills, and fulfill Microsoft's long-term commitment to the priorities of Saudi Vision 2030.