New AI data centre in Dubai targets 29 MW Phase One and 100 MW expansion
Strategic collaboration to accelerate next-generation computing and digital infrastructure growth
DUBAI – The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has entered into a strategic joint venture with VOLT UAE, the regional arm of Dutch data centre and AI factory developer VOLT, to develop a large-scale, AI-ready data centre in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
The development is positioned as a major step in strengthening Dubai’s digital economy infrastructure, particularly in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence capabilities. The project will be delivered in collaboration with Schneider Electric, which will provide advanced energy and infrastructure systems.
The announcement was made in the presence of senior leadership 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, Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric. The initiative reflects Dubai’s continued push to attract global technology investment and reinforce its position as a regional hub for digital transformation.
DIEZ-VOLT UAE partnership
The joint venture brings together DIEZ’s integrated economic zone framework and VOLT UAE’s expertise in developing advanced AI-focused infrastructure. Dubai Silicon Oasis, already established as a hub for knowledge and innovation, will host the facility, further expanding its role in supporting emerging technologies.
Under the agreement, DIEZ will provide land and core infrastructure support, while VOLT UAE will lead development, financing, construction, and eventual operation of the facility. The partnership is structured to ensure full lifecycle management of the data centre, including design, execution, leasing, and operational oversight aligned with international standards for critical infrastructure.
Schneider Electric’s involvement adds a key technological layer to the project, with responsibilities covering electrical systems, power distribution, monitoring solutions, and smart infrastructure integration. The collaboration aims to ensure that the facility meets the rising global demand for AI-ready computing environments.
AI infrastructure
The upcoming facility is designed as a high-performance, AI-ready data centre with advanced resilience and uninterrupted operational capability. It will be engineered with reinforced architecture, redundant systems, and hardened infrastructure to ensure continuous availability even under demanding conditions.
The concept goes beyond traditional data centre design, positioning the site as a potential “AI factory” capable of transforming energy into computing intelligence. It will support advanced artificial intelligence workloads, including model training, deployment, and large-scale digital processing.
According to project details, the infrastructure will be capable of supporting both enterprise and sovereign AI requirements, reflecting growing demand for secure and scalable computing environments. The facility is also expected to set a new benchmark for mission-critical digital infrastructure in the region.
Capacity building
The development will span up to 60,000 square metres and will be implemented in two phases. The initial phase will deliver 29 megawatts (MW) of readily available capacity, enabling early operational deployment. This will be followed by an additional 100 MW of committed power, significantly scaling the facility’s computing capability.
This phased approach is designed to accommodate rising demand for AI and cloud computing services while allowing for gradual expansion aligned with market needs. The scale of the project positions it among the more significant data infrastructure developments in the region.
The project also aligns with the broader expansion strategy of Dubai Silicon Oasis, including the AED11 billion “District IO” initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The wider ecosystem is intended to support research, development, and advanced technology innovation.
Digital ecosystem
The DIEZ–VOLT UAE partnership is closely linked to Dubai’s long-term digital transformation strategy, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and position it among the top global digital economies.
Officials highlighted that the initiative reflects growing investor confidence in Dubai’s regulatory environment, infrastructure readiness, and innovation-driven policies. The collaboration also underscores the role of specialised expertise in developing complex digital infrastructure projects.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni described the partnership as a reflection of the resilience of Dubai’s economic model and its ability to attract future-focused investments. He noted that the project reinforces the UAE leadership’s vision of strengthening the country’s global economic position and fostering innovation-led growth.
Technology integration
Schneider Electric’s role in the project focuses on delivering end-to-end infrastructure solutions for AI-ready data centres. This includes systems spanning from power grid integration to chip-level cooling and energy management.
The company’s technology stack will incorporate advanced power systems, liquid cooling solutions, monitoring software, and operational management tools. These systems are designed to improve efficiency, reduce operational risk, and support high-density AI computing environments.
Amel Chadli, President of Schneider Electric’s Gulf Cluster, described the project as a defining milestone for the UAE’s digital future. She emphasised that the collaboration represents a comprehensive infrastructure model designed to support the emerging AI economy with lower energy consumption and enhanced reliability.
VOLT CEO Han de Groot noted that the partnership represents a key step in the company’s international expansion strategy. He highlighted Dubai’s infrastructure ecosystem as a natural fit for next-generation AI-driven growth.
He added that artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a core economic driver, with computing capacity emerging as a critical production factor. The VOLT platform is designed to support sovereign AI development, enabling countries and organisations to develop and deploy AI systems securely and at scale.