The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has entered into a joint venture with VOLT UAE, the regional arm of Dutch data centre and AI infrastructure developer VOLT, to build a state-of-the-art AI-ready data centre in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). This initiative is set to reinforce Dubai’s standing as a leading global hub for the digital economy.
The announcement was made in the presence of senior leaders including Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ; Han de Groot, CEO of VOLT; Koenraad Crooijmans, Head of Capital Markets at VOLT; and Amel Chadli, President of Schneider Electric’s Gulf Cluster.
The upcoming facility will feature high-performance infrastructure designed for maximum resilience, continuous operations, and long-term security. With reinforced architecture, redundant systems, and hardened design, it will ensure uninterrupted availability even under demanding conditions. The data centre will support advanced computing and AI applications, contributing to the growth of Dubai’s digital ecosystem while setting new standards for reliability in critical infrastructure.
As part of the collaboration, DIEZ and VOLT UAE will work with Schneider Electric, headquartered in DSO, to implement advanced electrical systems, power distribution, and smart data centre technologies that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and reliability.
The agreement was formalised during an official signing ceremony at DIEZ headquarters, attended by representatives from all participating organisations.
This partnership aligns with DIEZ’s strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure and attract investments in future-focused industries. It also reflects Dubai’s broader ambition to solidify its position as a global centre for the digital economy.
The project will be developed within Dubai Silicon Oasis’s integrated ecosystem, supporting the expansion of the data centre sector and addressing growing demand for advanced computing capabilities.
Covering up to 60,000 square metres, the development will be rolled out in two phases: an initial capacity of 29 MW, followed by an additional 100 MW of planned power.
Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni highlighted that the partnership comes at a critical time of global transformation, underscoring Dubai’s economic resilience and attractiveness to investors in emerging sectors. He noted that the initiative reflects confidence in Dubai’s advanced business environment, supported by strong digital infrastructure and progressive economic policies.
He added that the project aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision to enhance the country’s global economic standing and supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33). He also pointed out that the data centre complements DSO’s expansion plans, including the AED11 billion “District IO” project, aimed at advancing future technologies, research, and innovation.
Han de Groot described the partnership as a key milestone in VOLT’s international growth, noting that Dubai’s world-class infrastructure makes it a natural hub for AI-driven development. He emphasised the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and the growing importance of computing power as a core economic driver.
According to de Groot, the facility is more than a traditional data centre—it is envisioned as a potential AI factory, where energy is converted into intelligence to power advanced AI applications. He added that the project will deliver secure, resilient, and always-available infrastructure for mission-critical digital operations.
Amel Chadli described the project as a significant step in shaping the UAE’s digital future, highlighting DIEZ’s role in driving a national vision for AI leadership. She noted that Schneider Electric will provide comprehensive end-to-end solutions, from power systems and cooling technologies to monitoring software and services, enabling efficient and sustainable deployment of high-density AI infrastructure.
Under the agreement, DIEZ will supply land and core infrastructure, while VOLT UAE will handle development, financing, construction, design, leasing, and operations of the data centre in line with agreed specifications.
Overall, the project highlights Dubai’s commitment to advancing digital infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation AI technologies and strengthening its position in the global digital economy.
