Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du) has signed a landmark agreement worth 2 billion dirhams ($544.54 million) with Microsoft to build and operate a hyperscale data center in the UAE. The announcement was made during Dubai AI Week, marking a significant step forward in the country’s digital transformation.
The new data center will be constructed and operated by du, with Microsoft confirmed as the primary tenant. The facility will be delivered in phases, offering flexible scaling based on demand. This will bolster Microsoft’s cloud and AI services in the region, particularly through its Azure platform.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, described the agreement as a “pivotal leap” in the company’s strategic goal to revolutionize the UAE’s digital ecosystem. He highlighted that the collaboration will create a more agile and resilient digital infrastructure, capable of supporting future innovations across various sectors.
The new hyperscale data center will complement du’s existing network of five data centers and significantly enhance its capabilities in cloud computing and storage at scale. The project aligns with the UAE’s vision to lead in cloud computing, AI, and smart technologies, supporting the nation’s broader economic diversification strategy.
The data center is expected to create new job opportunities in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data engineering. Additionally, it will help empower startups, improve government digital services, and accelerate digital transformation across key sectors in the UAE.
