Weekly News Blast – 9th May 2024

 
 
Welcome to the GDCA Weekly News Blast! Check out the latest industry news from the GCC region below. Have any Middle East data centres news you’d like to share? Email yours to imogen@gulfdca.com with NEWS in the subject line.
 

GDCA People

In response to the rapid expansion of the data centre sector in the GCC region, the Gulf Data Centre Association (GDCA) has launched a dedicated “People” Department. Our vision for GDCA People is to become the most trusted, leading, and strategic recruitment partner in the GCC data centre industry. Whether you’re scaling up an established company or launching a new venture, our services are designed to benefit organizations at all stages.

Looking for further information? Reach out to Krystyna Litwa, our Head of GDCA People, and explore exciting career opportunities in the data centre industry.🚀

🔗 Sponsors: We will be in touch to connect with your HR/Talent Acquisition Team.
🔗 Employers looking for top talent, submit your vacancy here.
🔗 Employees aiming for career growth, submit your CV here.

Sponsor News

Telecom giant announces the launch of stc Bank

The Saudi Central Bank has given the green light for stc Group to launch its new banking sector subsidiary, aiming to provide Shariah-compliant fintech solutions. This new entity will offer banking services and financial solutions, prioritising high security and customer protection through advanced fintech. This is the latest development by stc Group, as part of stc’s DARE 2.0 strategy, focusing on unconventional growth paths and digital transformation within the region…Read more

Industry News

Kingdom of Bahrain

Tamkeen enhance career development support for Bahraini nationals

Tamkeen recently announced a series of updates to its career development support programmes for enterprise training and leadership employment. In an effort to foster new talent and career advancement for Bahraini nationals, these programmes are perfect preparation for the demands of the labour market and equip participants with the best tools to succeed…Read more

 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia strengthen their economic ties with Malaysia

Aiming to act as a catalyst for growth and collaboration across a multitude of sectors, Saudi and Malaysia have launched a business council – fortifying the economic ties between these two countries. In line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, this new council and trade relations will allow for increased investment in innovation, emerging technologies, research programmes, e-commerce, and enhance the capabilities of Saudi and Malaysian companies to access global markets…Read more

BlackRock and PIF enter an MoU

BlackRock and the Public Investment Forum (PIF) have signed an MoU to establish a Riyadh-based multi-asset class investment platform – anchored by an initial investment mandate upwards of $5Bn from PIF. This new platform, BRIM (BlackRock Riyadh Investment Management), aims to support foreign investment into Saudi Arabia and further enhance the Kingdom’s asset management industry. By broadening local capital markets, driving investor diversification, facilitating knowledge sharing, and developing Saudi-based asset management talent, KSA is again advancing along the path of economic transformation…Read more

Saudi Arabia partner with Uzbekistan to build ‘green data centres’

At the recent Tashkent International Investment Forum (Uzbekistan), plans to build two eco-friendly data centres in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Datavolt were announced. The project, reported to progress in three phases, will start with a $150Mn, 10MW facility in Tashkent; with subsequent phases seeing the construction of a 250MW data centre in two nearby locations…Read more

PIF’s Alat unveils new business units to tap into electrification and AI markets

Alat, a newly formed entity owned by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, has launched two new business units – electrification and AI infrastructure – to meet the growing demands for advanced AI infrastructure and strengthen global electricity grid technology. In total Alat has launched 9 business units (incl. these two), with plans to invest upwards of $100Bn by 2030, firmly establishing the Kingdom as a premier manufacturing hub globally…Read more

UAE

Are e& setting its sights on European expansion?

Abu Dhabi telco, e&, are rumoured to acquire eastern European carrier United Group BV, in a deal worth upwards of $8Bn. As part of its European expansion plan, e& grew its stake in Vodafone Group to 14.6%, and this purchase will further solidify its presence. United Group operate in several countries across Europe,  including Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Montenegro; most recently selling its mobile tower infrastructure unit in Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia to Saudi Telecom’s (STC) tower infrastructure unit Tawul…Read more

Dubai launches a Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence

Sheikh Hamdan has launched the Dubai Universal Blueprint for AI; a yearly plan focused on harnessing the potential of AI technology whilst reflecting Dubai’s commitment to leverage new AI technologies, achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, and become the global epicentre for all things digital. This plan aims to create the best environment for AI companies and global talent, through advanced technological infrastructure, flexible legislation and even going as far as appointing a CEO for Artificial Intelligence in each government entity in Dubai…Read more

UAE selected to join Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group

The first Arab country to be selected, the UAE has been asked to be part of the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, alongside 49 other countries. Announced last May during the 49th G7 Summit in Japan, the Hiroshima AI Process initiative was created with the hopes of providing a comprehensive framework to responsibly pursue AI advancements and ensure clear guidelines are available to curtail problems posed by the rapidly-evolving technology…Read more

DIFC raise $3.3Bn to boost growth in the Fintech sector

Fintech was the fastest-growing sector for the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) last year; and with Dubai’s location, favourable legislation, and population profile, it is no wonder. At a 31% growth rate from 2022-23 in Fintech company registrations, the DIFC has been expanding 5 times faster than the Emirate’s average GDP growth over the past 10 years – now more than ever, the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ are looking more and more attainable…Read more

 

الخصوصية وملفات تعريف الارتباط؟
هذا الموقع يستخدم ملفات تعريف الارتباط الخاصة للتأكد من سهولة الاستخدام وضمان تحسين تجربتك أثناء التصفح. من خلال الاستمرار في تصفح هذا الموقع، فإنك تقر بقبول استخدام ملفات تعريف الارتباط. الشروط والأحكام والسياسات.