The Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) has announced a $545 million (AED 2 billion) hyperscale data centre in Dubai, developed in partnership with Microsoft. The announcement was made during Dubai AI Week 2025, and witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation.
A Leap Toward Digital Sovereignty
The upcoming data centre will be built and operated by du, with Microsoft as its anchor tenant. The facility is designed to roll out in stages, gradually increasing its computing power to meet growing regional demands.
“This project marks a significant investment in digital infrastructure, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in adopting the latest technologies, innovations, and digital services. Data is the wealth of the future and the foundation of technological progress.” said Sheikh Hamdan.
Supporting UAE’s AI Blueprint
The hyperscale centre is a key milestone supporting the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, announced in 2024. That blueprint laid the foundation for national AI talent development, public sector integration, and infrastructure growth. Since its rollout, the plan has sparked new momentum across the region, driving significant investment in data infrastructure.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, described the centre as a turning point: “This deal represents a pivotal leap in our strategic goal to revolutionise the digital ecosystem of the UAE.”
Designed for AI at Scale
Hyperscale data centres are essential for large-scale cloud computing and data storage. With Microsoft onboard, the new Dubai facility will boost capabilities across AI-driven platforms, digital services, and sovereign cloud solutions. It also reflects the UAE’s strategy to position itself as a global AI hub outside of the United States.
Currently, du operates five data centres across the UAE. This new facility will not only scale their service offerings but also support government and private sector innovation at a transformative level.
Dubai AI Week 2025: A Global Gathering
The announcement took place as part of Dubai AI Week 2025, a global convergence of over 100 nationalities, 180+ speakers, 150+ sessions, and more than 140 interactive activities. The week-long event, organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, highlights the UAE’s continued commitment to AI excellence and digital leadership.
