The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has announced a joint venture with Volt Emirates, a platform specialized in developing data centers and artificial intelligence facilities, to establish advanced AI-driven data centers in Dubai Silicon Oasis. This economic zone is dedicated to knowledge and innovation, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a global hub for the digital economy.
The project was unveiled in the presence of Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, CEO of DIEZ; Han De Groot, CEO of Volt; Conrad Kruymans, Head of Capital Markets at Volt; and Amal El Shazly, Head of Schneider Electric for the Gulf region.
This initiative boasts a high-performance infrastructure designed to offer exceptional flexibility and ensures uninterrupted operations while adhering to the highest long-term security standards under all conditions.
As part of the project, DIEZ and Volt Emirates will collaborate with Schneider Electric, which is headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis, to provide advanced electrical systems, energy distribution infrastructure, and smart data centers aimed at improving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
The project is positioned within the integrated ecosystem of Dubai Silicon Oasis, supporting the growth of the data center sector and meeting the increasing demand for advanced computing solutions. It will cover an area of up to 60,000 square meters with a total capacity of 129 megawatts, developed in two phases. The first phase will offer an immediate operational power capacity of 29 megawatts, followed by an additional committed capacity of 100 megawatts.
Dubai Model
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, CEO of DIEZ, stated, “This strategic partnership comes at a crucial time amid rapid changes in the region, reinforcing the resilience of Dubai’s economic model and its attractiveness for investment in future sectors. It leverages specialized expertise in data center development and operations. This initiative showcases global investors’ confidence in the advanced investment environment that the emirate provides, supported by a sophisticated digital infrastructure and flexible economic policies.”
He continued, “The data center project complements the expansion initiatives at Dubai Silicon Oasis, particularly with the recently launched ‘District I.O.’ project by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which involves investments of 11 billion dirhams, providing infrastructure that supports the development of future technologies and enhances the research, development, and innovation ecosystem in Dubai, strategically contributing to knowledge and innovation goals.”
A Key Milestone
Han De Groot, CEO of Volt, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, highlighting this as a significant strategic shift in supporting their global expansion efforts. He noted that Dubai’s world-class infrastructure positions it perfectly to be a center for the next phase of growth driven by digital technology and AI-supported infrastructure.
Transformative Moment
Amal El Shazly, Head of Schneider Electric for the Gulf region, remarked, “What we are witnessing in Dubai Silicon Oasis marks a transformative moment for the UAE’s journey towards a prosperous digital future. Dubai Silicon Oasis embodies an ambitious national vision and demonstrates the UAE’s strong commitment to leading the global AI economy. At the heart of this vision is this cutting-edge data center, equipped with AI technology, which lays the foundation for the smart city of tomorrow.”
Digital Infrastructure
This project underscores Dubai’s dedication to providing advanced digital infrastructure capable of supporting AI applications and benefits from Schneider Electric’s extensive specialized expertise in electrical systems and smart infrastructure. Under the agreement, DIEZ will provide the land and primary infrastructure while Volt Emirates will develop, finance, and execute the main construction operations of the data center facilities, as well as oversee design, implementation, leasing, and operations in line with the agreed requirements.