Khazna Data Centers (Khazna), the leading hyper scale wholesale data center provider in the Middle East and North Africa, has unveiled plans for its largest data center in the UAE. Located in Ajman, this 100MW, AI-optimized facility marks a significant milestone as the region's first of its kind, solidifying Khazna's role as a catalyst for AI innovation and its dedication to fueling the digital economy in the AI era.
The announcement was made by Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna, during GITEX Global 2024, in the presence of Suhail Mohammed Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Yousif Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE. The 100,000 sqm facility, comprising 20 data halls each with a 5MW capacity, has already commenced construction and is scheduled for completion within 15 months. This tier three data center will be the first AI-dedicated facility in the region, reflecting the UAE's substantial efforts to address escalating energy demands driven by AI, which are projected to double by 2026, according to the International Energy Agency.
The Ajman data center's power supply will be primarily sourced from Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EtihadWE). The project is being developed with an energy-efficient, modular design to optimize resource utilization. With a multi-billion-dirham investment, Khazna's AI-focused data center is slated to become operational by Q3 2025, fostering local economic growth by creating high-skilled AI jobs and positioning the UAE as a pivotal hub for business, AI, and innovation.
Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers, emphasized: "The launch of our 100MW AI-optimized data center underscores Khazna's robust growth and the UAE's preparedness to spearhead AI innovation. Our new data center in Ajman is meticulously designed to meet the high computing power and scalability demands of AI. Advanced cooling techniques and energy-efficient modular designs integrated within this facility will enhance both energy efficiency and scalability, aiding the UAE in harnessing this transformative technology while supporting the nation's objective of building a more sustainable economy."
Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, added: "At Etihad Water and Electricity, we are honored to supply the critical energy solutions that drive major innovations across the Northern Emirates. Providing reliable and efficient electricity to the AI-optimized data center in Ajman highlights our commitment to enabling advanced technological infrastructures that support the UAE's strategic goals in digital and economic growth. Our dedication to sustainable energy practices is integral to our support of projects that propel the nation's progress in the age of artificial intelligence."
With the construction of the Ajman data center, Khazna is at the forefront of transitioning the digital economy into the Age of Artificial Intelligence, making AI a scalable and sustainable reality for economies and societies globally.