Microsoft Commits $8 Billion in UAE After Getting Chips License

Microsoft Corp. is planning to spend more than $7.9 billion on data centers, cloud computing and employees in the United Arab Emirates over the next four years, capitalizing on a US government clearance to ship artificial intelligence chips to the Gulf nation.

Microsoft president Brad Smith announced the commitment on Monday in Abu Dhabi. The pledge includes plans to nearly triple the amount of Nvidia Corp. advanced chips Microsoft will operate in the nation, bringing in critical equipment that has been restricted by the US government.

“This is not money we’re raising here. It’s money we’re investing and spending ...