Abu dhabi: ADNOC, Masdar, XRG, and Microsoft today announced a strategic agreement to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) deployment across ADNOC's value chain and to deliver energy solutions for Microsoft's global AI and data center growth. The collaboration was announced at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi, ahead of ADIPEC.
According to Emirates News Agency, the expanded agreement builds on ADNOC and Microsoft's long-established partnership, bringing Masdar and XRG into the fold to develop sustainable energy projects and infrastructure supporting Microsoft's global AI and data center expansion.
As part of the agreement, ADNOC and Microsoft will co-develop and deploy AI agents to drive autonomous operations and unlock greater efficiency, building on ADNOC's successful deployment of AI solutions across its value chain. Microsoft will also provide advanced AI tools and upskilling programs, while both companies will explore a joint innovation ecosystem to create transformative solutions for the energy sector.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, Executive Chairman of XRG, and Chairman of Masdar, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in reshaping industries and advancing energy systems. Through this partnership with Microsoft, new opportunities are being unlocked to fuel the future of AI and enhance performance.
ADNOC was the first energy company to roll out generative AI enterprise-wide in November 2023 with Microsoft Copilot. Since then, more than 40,000 employees have completed AI training, achieving utilization rates above 90% and over 70,000 hours per month in productivity gained.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, highlighted the necessity of deep collaboration across industries to transition to a more sustainable and inclusive energy future. The collaboration aims to reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a global energy innovation hub, integrating ADNOC's industrial leadership with Microsoft's digital expertise and the clean energy capabilities of Masdar and XRG.
This latest agreement builds on ADNOC and Microsoft's 2025 Powering Possible Report, which gathers insights from over 850 global experts to understand the transformative impact of AI on the energy sector.