22 April 2025, Tue |
7:26 PM
ADIO and Khazna Data Centres Unite to Strengthen Abu Dhabi’s Digital Future
In a strategic move to fortify Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for technology and innovation, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has joined forces with Khazna Data Centres (Khazna) to advance the emirate’s digital infrastructure and accelerate the development of its data economy. This partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of building a robust, knowledge-based economy and fostering sustainable technological progress across sectors.
Khazna, a recognized leader in hyperscale wholesale data centre solutions, will take the lead in developing a state-of-the-art data centre in Mafraq, Abu Dhabi. The facility will be constructed on government-owned land under a Musataha agreement, a strategic public-private partnership model facilitated by ADIO. Upon completion, the data centre will initially support 30 megawatts (MW) of IT load, with the potential for future expansion to meet rising digital demands.
Set to commence operations by mid-2026, the upcoming data centre will significantly enhance Abu Dhabi’s existing technological ecosystem. As businesses and governments across the UAE and the wider Middle East region experience growing demand for secure, scalable, and high-performance data services, this facility will serve as a cornerstone of the emirate’s digital transformation strategy.
The development is not just a technological milestone but also an economic catalyst. The collaboration will unlock new investment opportunities, drive local innovation, and generate high-value employment for skilled professionals in data management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and facility operations. It represents a crucial step toward diversifying Abu Dhabi’s economy beyond hydrocarbons, reinforcing its status as a regional centre for digital excellence.
The partnership is enabled through ADIO’s Musataha programme, which supports private sector investment in key sectors by granting long-term rights to develop government-owned land. This model allows strategic partners like Khazna to align infrastructure development with national economic goals, creating mutually beneficial outcomes for investors and the wider community.
Mansoor Al Bastaki, Head of Musataha at ADIO, underscored the strategic importance of this collaboration.
“Data is not only a fundamental pillar of innovation but also a key enabler of economic diversification. At ADIO, we are proud to support initiatives that directly contribute to Abu Dhabi’s digital infrastructure and long-term economic resilience. Through the Musataha programme, we provide investors with the platform to grow, innovate, and deliver meaningful impact that resonates far beyond the borders of the emirate.”
Khazna’s presence in Abu Dhabi further emphasizes the emirate’s commitment to attracting and supporting top-tier technology players. The new data centre will complement existing infrastructure, bolster cloud adoption, support AI and big data capabilities, and meet the evolving needs of enterprise and government clients.
This landmark agreement between ADIO and Khazna reflects the UAE’s broader vision to be a leader in the global digital economy. By investing in future-ready infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is laying the foundation for innovation-led growth, ensuring its competitiveness in an increasingly data-driven world.
