UAE Data Centre Market to Reach AED 9.7 Billion by 2029

The UAE’s data centre market is projected to grow significantly, reaching AED 9.7 billion by 2029, according to Blackridge, a global market research and consulting firm. The market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.95% over the next five years, driven by the UAE’s expanding digital economy and increasing investment from multinational technology companies.

Dubai-based Hitches & Glitches (H&G), a sustainable and technology-driven maintenance and cleaning specialist under the Farnek Group, has reported a surge in demand for specialised cleaning services tailored to the growing number of data centres in the UAE. These facilities, primarily located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, include major operators such as Equinix Inc., Khazna Data Center, and Moro Hub.

Specialised Cleaning: A Critical Need for Data Centres

“Data centre equipment, including switches, routers, UPS batteries, and racks, requires meticulous cleaning to ensure optimal performance,” said Zohaib Azhar, Director of Operations at Hitches & Glitches. “Maintaining these high-value assets involves adhering to stringent international standards such as ISO 14644-1 Class 8, which demand specialised expertise.”

Data centres rely on precise environmental controls to safeguard sensitive electronic equipment. Cleaning processes are governed by standards such as ASHRAE TC 9.9, which outline critical guidelines for mission-critical facilities. These include:

• Maintaining Air Quality: Minimising airborne particulates and gaseous contaminants that could damage equipment.
• Anti-Static Cleaning Methods: Using HEPA filters and anti-static products to prevent dust spread.
• Optimising Airflow: Designing layouts that reduce dust accumulation and prevent recirculation during maintenance.

Driving Market Growth: Digital Economy Initiatives

The UAE’s strategy to expand its digital economy has attracted global technology leaders, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, Microsoft, and Alibaba, which have significantly expanded their data centre capacities across the country. Today, the UAE boasts 38 data centre facilities, cementing its position as a regional technology hub.

Ensuring Reliability and Efficiency

“Adhering to ASHRAE guidelines and other international standards ensures that data centres maintain a clean and controlled environment,” added Azhar. “This compliance is critical for reducing risks, preventing outages, and ensuring operational efficiency.”

With the UAE data centre market’s rapid growth, demand for expert cleaning and maintenance services is expected to rise, enabling facilities to meet global benchmarks and support the nation’s digital transformation initiatives.