Photo Credit : WAM
Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has announced a strategic joint venture with VOLT UAE to develop an advanced AI-ready data centre in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), reinforcing Dubai’s ambitions as a global digital economy hub.
The announcement was made in the presence of Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Han de Groot, Koenraad Crooijmans, and Amel Chadli.
The new facility will feature high-performance infrastructure designed to ensure resilience, uninterrupted operations, and long-term security. Built with reinforced architecture and redundant systems, it is expected to support advanced computing and artificial intelligence applications, setting new standards for reliability in mission-critical digital infrastructure.
As part of the project, DIEZ and VOLT UAE will collaborate with Schneider Electric to deliver advanced electrical systems, power distribution, and smart data centre solutions aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability.
The development will span up to 60,000 square metres and will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase will provide 29 megawatts (MW) of capacity, followed by an additional 100MW in the second phase to meet growing demand for high-performance computing.
Al Zarooni said the partnership reflects Dubai’s strong investment appeal and aligns with national efforts to expand digital infrastructure and attract future-focused industries. He noted that the initiative supports the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to position the emirate as a leading global digital economy.
He added that the project complements the AED11 billion “District IO” development within Dubai Silicon Oasis, aimed at supporting innovation, research, and emerging technologies.
De Groot described the venture as a major step in VOLT’s global expansion, highlighting Dubai’s infrastructure and strategic position as key factors. He said the facility is designed not just as a data centre, but as a potential “AI factory” capable of transforming energy into intelligence to power advanced digital workloads.
Chadli said the project represents a defining moment for the UAE’s digital future, noting that Schneider Electric will provide end-to-end infrastructure solutions, including power systems, cooling technologies, and management software to support high-density AI operations.
Under the agreement, DIEZ will provide land and core infrastructure, while VOLT UAE will handle development, financing, construction, and operations of the facility.
The project underscores Dubai’s continued push to build advanced digital infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation technologies and artificial intelligence at scale.
