Welcome to the GDCA’s Weekly News Blast email. Every Thursday we’ll be bringing you a curated round-up of all the trending Middle Eastern data centre news from the week, including any news from our Sponsors. We’ll also be posting a Weekly News Blast on our LinkedIn, so stay tuned.
Have any Middle East data centres news you’d like to share? Email yours to pr@gulfdca.com with NEWS in the subject line.
Sponsor News
Charles Russell Speechlys
Paul Boast appointed Chair at ALFA
Paula Boast MBE, Partner and Head of our Construction, Engineering & Projects (Middle East), has been appointed as Chair of the Regional Group for ALFA International’s African & Middle Eastern Regional Group. Read more…
stc Bahrain
Catch stc’s Tech Talk live on 26th November
stc’s AI event of the year, Tech Talk will take place on 26th November, and will at all the ways AI will shape the future. Read more…
PTS
PTS launches PTS Sessions
PTS Sessions, a unique series of interviews that takes you behind the scenes of transformative projects and ideas. Read more…
Vertiv
Vertiv and MDS SI Group Extend their Distribution Partnership in the Middle East and Levant Region
“This renewal underscores the strong collaboration that both organizations have cultivated in the Middle East and Levant region over the past three decades, consistently advancing technology solutions, offering top-tier products and exceptional on-the-ground support,” commented Karsten Winther, president for Vertiv in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Read more…
Industry News
Saudi
Google Cloud opens new region in Damman
The new cloud region, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2023 Vision, is anticipated to contribute a $109 billion to the Saudi economy between 2024-2030, potentially supporting the creation of 148,600 jobs by 2030. Google Cloud Platform Services will now accessible to Saudi Arabia-based customers through CNTXT. Read more…
First Smart Cities Forum slated for Riyadh 2024
Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) is to host the first Riyadh Smart Cities Forum in early 2024, bringing together national, regional and global experts to advance the Saudi Arabia-wide discussion on people-centric, smart and sustainable cities. Read more…
Saudi and Slovakia sign deal to avoid double taxation
As Saudi surpasses its target of attracting 160 firms to set up headquarters in the Kingdom, Saudi and Slovakia have signed an agreement to avoid double taxation. Read more…
Riyadh Air signs with Microsoft Azure
Riyadh Air and Microsoft signed a MoU to leverage Azure’s cloud platform as it aims to utilise the potential of cutting-edge technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, co-pilot experiences, the Metaverse, and Virtual Reality to enhance Riyadh Air’s offerings, services, and operational models. Read more…
UAE
Equinix’s turns on $100m data centre extension
AI was the focus of the development, as Equinix’s survey of 2,900 IT decision-makers revealed that 85% of respondents across the world were keen to benefit from AI’s advantages. Read more…
Abu Dhabi’s Bayanat using AI to support urban planning
The G42-owned geospatial data products and services provider aims to use AI to support the emirate’s urban planning agenda. Bayanat is prepared to collect geospatial data “with unprecedented accuracy and detail” with the expected launch of new satellites and the continuing improvements in its sensor capabilities, supporting Abu Dhabi’s autonomous vehicle and smart city programmes.Read more…
155 Chinese companies attend WETEX and DSS
The Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) has attracted 155 companies from China, specialising in smart cities, water, water treatment, smart logistics, solar panels, energy storage, off-grid solar systems, among others.. Read more…