du, the UAE’s leading telecommunications and digital services provider, and Microsoft, have signed a groundbreaking AED 2 billion ($545 million) hyperscale data center.
The announcement for the new hyperscale data center was made during H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, visit to Dubai AI Week 2025, which is being organized by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation.
The hyperscale data center will be developed in multiple phases, progressively expanding capacity to meet the growing demand. Microsoft will serve as the primary tenant, leveraging the facility’s advanced computing capabilities to support its cloud infrastructure and next-generation digital services.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council
“The hyperscale data center 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. We remain committed to supporting local and international companies as we harness technology in innovative ways to benefit our communities.”
The hyperscale data center project marks a pivotal leap in Dubai’s strategy to transform its digital ecosystem, going beyond core telecom services and establishing critical infrastructure that supports future economies.
The center will play a vital role in addressing the surging demand for AI capabilities and sovereign cloud solutions, as well as a demand for increased digital capacity across the region.
The announcement of du’s new hyperscale data center project supports the objectives of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, announced in 2024 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
This center also reinforces the role of technological advancement in shaping the future economy and enhancing quality of life. Furthermore, it reflects the UAE’s commitment to global leadership in innovation and sustainability.
Currently, du operates various data center sites across the UAE, offering a secure and scalable foundation for digital applications and services. Dubai AI Week 2025 is hosting participants from over 100 nationalities, featuring more than 180 speakers, over 150 sessions and workshops, and more than 140 activities.
Taking place from 21–25 April 2025, the event brings together global thought leaders from startups, corporates, governments, and academia to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
