Microsoft reduces its Russian business as war affects economic outlook  

The operations cut will affect over 400 employees. (Shurtterstock)
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Updated 08 June 2022
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Microsoft reduces its Russian business as war affects economic outlook  

RIYADH: US technology firm Microsoft Corp. is significantly reducing its Russian business as the war in Ukraine affects the economic outlook, Bloomberg reported. 

“As a result of the changes to the economic outlook and the impact on our business in Russia, we have made the decision to significantly scale down our operations in Russia,” the company said in a statement.

“We will continue to fulfill our existing contractual obligations with Russian customers while the suspension of new sales remains in effect,” the statement added.

The operations cut will affect over 400 employees, Bloomberg reported citing Microsoft’s statement. 

Other firms have also been scaling back operations in Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine.

Last March, IBM announced its suspension of business in Russia, in addition to Apple and Nike’s halt of sales.   


PIF Private Sector Forum sees multiple deals across key sectors

Updated 14 sec ago
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PIF Private Sector Forum sees multiple deals across key sectors

RIYADH: The first day of the PIF Private Sector Forum marked the signing of several agreements spanning travel, entertainment, advanced manufacturing, innovation, urban development, and industrial sectors.

In the tourism, travel, and entertainment sector, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Public Investment Fund’s Dan Co. and Fresh on Table to expand the latter’s platform in Saudi Arabia, enhance cooperation, and establish consolidation centers in Dan Co.’s facilities across targeted cities.

Dan Co. also signed an MoU with DRB Arabia to collaborate on the development of the Tuaja Resort Community Center in Al-Ahsa, establishing a framework for cooperation between the two parties.

King Abdullah Economic City and Almosafer Travel and Tourism Co. agreed to a joint venture to support tourism promotion and destination marketing.

Cruise Saudi and FlyAkeed signed an MoU to strengthen initiatives in travel optimization and digital innovation, while FlyAkeed also partnered with Al-Ula Club to explore opportunities in automation and digital transformation. Additionally, the PIF and FlyAkeed signed an MoU to advance digital travel solutions and enhance service delivery leveraging FlyAkeed’s capabilities.

In urban development and livability, the PIF signed an MoU with ABB Academy to develop the Saudi workforce through targeted training programs. Another agreement with Saudi Tabreed will explore expanding high-quality district cooling solutions for large-scale developments, aligning with national sustainability goals. Fraunhofer IAO will collaborate with the PIF on waste management and innovative construction methods to support smart city development.

The industrial and logistics sector also saw multiple agreements. Nupco signed an MoU with Saudi Awwal Bank to strengthen healthcare supply chains, while Saudi Arabia Railways partnered with Siemens Mobility to localize manufacturing, develop the Kingdom’s rail infrastructure, and advance industrial capabilities. The Royal Commission of AlUla signed a deal with TASAMA to support its operational and strategic objectives.

In advanced manufacturing and innovation, Tasaru Mobility Investments signed multiple agreements with Masarat Mobility Park, Shin Young, JVIS, Benteler, Lear Corp., and Fangxin. Electric vehicle maker Lucid also inked deals with Benteler, JVIS, Shin Young, and Lear Corp.

Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown EV brand, Ceer, signed agreements with Mino, Natpet Schulman Specialty Plastic Compounds, Xinyi Glass, MK Tron, Sika, Saudi Controls, AVL, FEV, Zamil Trade and Services, Zamil Plastics, and Arabian Plastic Industrial Co. CEO James DeLuca highlighted that Ceer is set to sign 16 agreements valued at SR3.7 billion ($990 million) at the forum, noting that 90% of these are commercial contracts rather than MoUs.