After a TDME-related break last week, we’re back with our 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 pr@gulfdca.com with NEWS in the subject line.
Sponsor News
Datalec Precision Installations
DPI launches in-house Electronic Security services.
This move will provide clients with a unique end-to-end solution that eliminates the disruption often associated with third-party security provision. DPI also welcomes industry veteran Glenn Stephenson on board as Operations Director for Electronic Security. Read more…
Charles Russell Speechlys
CRS shortlisted in The Legal 500 awards
CRS has been shortlisted for 7 categories at The Legal 500 (Legalease) Middle East and North Africa Awards 2024, including Bahrain Law Firm of the Year, Construction Law Firm of the Year and Rising Star of the Year. Read more…
Vertiv
Vertiv launches prefabricated timber solution to increase sustainability
Vertiv’s TimberMod is available in North America and EMEA and uses a more environmentally friendly material that can minimise resource depletion and lower CO2 emissions. Read more…
stc Bahrain
stc Bahrain’s Tech Talks: GenAI’s impact on business
The discussion shared insights on demystifying AI, practical advice on how business leaders can integrate AI into their company, and how to mitigate potential risks. As a digital enabler, stc Bahrain is implementing cutting-edge technologies to enable digital transformation in the kingdom. Read more…
Industry News
Saudi Arabia
center3 launches two state-of-the-art data centres in the Eastern Province
The 24,000 square meter Dammam Data Center has a total power of 19.5 MW and features 8 data halls and space for 1200 racks, 150 per hall. The AlKhobar Data Center, extends over 35,000 square meters with a power capacity of 24.4 MW. Read more…
Saudi Arabia forecast to spend over US$6bn on IT
According to IDC, spending on IT services in Saudi Arabia is set to outpace all other countries in the Middle East and Africa region, and IDC forecasts that the Saudi IT services market will grow at a CAGR of 9.0% over the 2022–2027 period, reaching $6.4 billion in 2027. Read more…
Saudi launches National Data Index
The National Data Index, also known as Nudei, launched during the Saudi Data Forum in Riyadh is a collaboration between SDAIA and NTP, aims to assess and track the progress of government agencies in data management, compliance, and operational indicators across 14 areas. It establishes a robust data governance framework and policies to control data management practices, measure data management maturity and ensure compliance. Read more…
UAE
UAE’s security policy support moves to cloud
The policy, issued by the UAE’s Cyber Security Council, reflects the UAE government’s continued focus on developing a UAE cloud computing industry, of moving the government’s own IT estate, securely, to the cloud, and of making the UAE a global leader in cybersecurity, per Pinsent Mason. Read more…
Dubai: Microsoft and UNFCCC announce partnership to use AI to track global carbon emissions
Leaders from the UN and Microsoft announced a partnership that will enable the UNFCCC to create a new AI-powered platform and global climate data hub to measure and analyse global progress in reducing emissions. The partnership comes at a critical time, as the world’s governments come together at COP28, organised by the UNFCCC and the COP28 UAE Presidency. Read more…
Dubai launches ambitious clean energy programme
Ahead of COP28, Dubai has announced a major new initiative, set to be rolled out from 1 January 2024, that will serve to support and accelerate the emirate’s sustainability ambitions. The initiative will enable manufacturers, data centres and agri-tech players to install captive solar generation up to their total connected load. Read more…
Abu Dhabi’s Adia in discussions for US$1bn minority stake in PCCW’s fibre assets
ABU Dhabi Investment Authority is considering bidding for a significant minority stake in telecommunications, media and technology conglomerate PCCW’s fibre business, assets for about US$1 billion. The move would help the emirate expand into Greater China. Read more…
Abu Dhabi launches new AI firm
AI71will focus on AI, as Abu Dhabi focuses efforts to become a global hub for the emerging technology. AI71 aims to democratise access to AI and is built on the Falcon large language models developed by the council’s Technology Innovation Institute. Read more…