UAE
ADIA partners in $1.6Bn deal backing US data centre operator
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia), alongside Singapore’s GIC, has committed $1.6Bn to Vantage Data Centers to support its Asia-Pacific expansion. The funding will enable Vantage to acquire a 300MW hyperscale data centre campus in Malaysia’s Sedenak Tech Park, boosting its regional capacity to 1GW amid rising AI-driven demand for digital infrastructure. ADIA said the investment aligns with its strategy of backing infrastructure that powers digitalisation. The deal, expected to close in Q4 2025 pending approvals, builds on ADIA’s growing focus on global data centre investments…Read more
UAE may take the plunge into the Great Sea Interconnector
The UAE is considering joining the $2.2Bn Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), the world’s longest planned submarine power cable linking Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, according to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. A partnership would deepen growing UAE–Cyprus ties, with trade up 25% since 2019 and recent UAE support, including portable desalination plants for drought-hit Cyprus. The move would also build on the UAE’s expanding role in regional power links, such as Masdar’s investment in the €4.2Bn Gregy project between Greece and Egypt…Read more
G42’s Inception says Gulf businesses risk superficial AI adoption
Many executives are racing to adopt AI, but without clear strategies, efforts often remain fragmented, costly, and ineffective, experts warn. Ashish Koshy, CEO of G42’s Inception, says companies frequently launch siloed projects that showcase AI without delivering enterprise-wide impact, while research shows most pilots fail to move beyond testing. Surveys by IBM and MIT highlight poor returns, with only a fraction of projects meeting ROI expectations. Analysts say Middle Eastern firms, though early in their AI journeys, are beginning to tackle this gap by focusing on automation and productivity. Experts urge businesses to start small, target real operational challenges, and measure value in practical terms to avoid “AI for AI’s sake.”…Read more
Interesting News
Global
Competing for grid resources: Understanding the impact of rising data centre electricity consumption
Data centres are rapidly evolving into electricity-intensive hubs, driving the digital economy and powering AI, cloud computing, and other critical services. Hyperscale facilities, now exceeding 100MW and with some approaching gigawatt scale, are among the most energy-demanding industries, with AI workloads pushing power and cooling requirements to unprecedented levels. While currently using about 1–1.3% of global electricity, demand is projected to quadruple by 2030, outpacing many traditional sectors and already surpassing electric vehicles in consumption. Concentrated development strains local grids, as seen in Virginia and Ireland, and mismatched construction timelines create connection bottlenecks. Industry leaders stress the need for grid participation, regulatory recognition, and sustainable strategies to balance rapid digital growth with energy stability and environmental responsibility…Read more