The UAE data centre market is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 9.95% over the next five years, reaching a market value of AED9.7 billion ($2.64 billion) by 2029, according to Blackridge Research. This surge in data centres is increasing the demand for specialist cleaning services that comply with international standards, as reported by Hitches & Glitches, a Dubai-based maintenance and cleaning specialist and a part of the Farnek Group.
Expanding Data Centres Drive Cleaning Needs
The UAE’s strategic initiatives to bolster its digital economy have attracted major tech giants such as Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, and Alibaba, leading to an expanded data centre footprint across the nation. Currently, the UAE hosts 38 data centre facilities predominantly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with leading providers like Equinix Inc., Khazna Data Centre, and Moro Hub.
Zohaib Azhar, Director of Operations at Hitches & Glitches, highlighted the critical nature of maintaining data centre equipment, which includes sensitive components like switches, routers, and UPS batteries that require sophisticated cleaning to ensure optimal performance. “The highly technical cleaning process is crucial for maintaining the reliability, efficiency, and safety of these high-value assets,” Azhar noted, emphasizing adherence to the ISO 14644-1 Class 8 standard for controlled environments.
Adhering to ASHRAE Standards
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards are pivotal in setting cleaning guidelines for data centres. These standards recommend maintaining a controlled environment to protect sensitive electronics from gaseous contaminants and airborne particulates, with specific cleaning methodologies like using anti-static products and HEPA-filtered vacuums.
Furthermore, ASHRAE standards cover essential aspects such as the frequency of cleaning, influenced by the type of equipment and the environmental conditions. The layout and airflow design of a data centre are also crucial, as they affect dust accumulation and the management of contaminants during routine maintenance.
Azhar added, “Compliance with ASHRAE standards not only ensures optimal performance and equipment longevity but is often a requirement for maintaining high operational reliability and efficiency in data centres.” He also noted that because of their specialist certifications and expertise, Hitches & Glitches is a preferred partner for renowned data centre management companies, including SecureTech and ITQAN.
The standards also address environmental control by recommending the maintenance of proper temperature and humidity levels to prevent static discharge and corrosion, further illustrating the comprehensive approach required for data centre maintenance.
