Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) on Wednesday announced that it is planning to open its first data centers in the Middle East and Switzerland, it also plans to expand its cloud services in Germany to meet the growing demand.

Microsoft’s first data center will be in located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

“By delivering the comprehensive, intelligent Microsoft Cloud – comprising Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics 365 – from datacenters in a given geography, we offer scalable, available and resilient cloud services for companies and organizations while meeting data residency, security and compliance needs. Microsoft has deep expertise protecting data and empowering customers around the globe to meet extensive security and privacy requirements, including offering the broadest set of compliance certifications and attestations in the industry.” Jason Zander, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Azure said in a press release.

In Europe, the company continue its cloud footprint expansion by opening new data centers in Switzerland, which will be in the cantons of Geneva and Zurich. It will also offer more cloud service options in addition of new regions in Germany. In France, thousands of customers are able to use the Microsoft Cloud, with products such as Azure and Office 365.

Microsoft is becoming a major competitor to Amazon in the cloud industry.  Microsoft’s stock is up about 10 percent so far this year.