Khazna Data Centers, a provider of hyperscale wholesale data centers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to turn the emirate into a hub for technology and innovation. Khazna will build an advanced data centre in Mafraq, Abu Dhabi, with an initial capacity of 30MW, leveraging government-owned land as part of a Musataha agreement with ADIO. The facility will become operational by mid-2026.
Khazna currently operates 12 data centres across the UAE, with a total planned capacity of 300MW as the company aims to add another 12 over the next two years. Meanwhile, ADIO provides local and international companies with a range of opportunities in Abu Dhabi and access to the emirate’s public landbank. Musataha agreements grant rights to develop plots of land for a defined period, allowing companies to grow in the UAE’s capital. ADIO has facilitated 132 Musataha agreements since October 2021.
According to a press release, “ADIO’s collaboration with Khazna falls under the Musataha programme, which leverages Abu Dhabi government-owned land to fuel knowledge-based economic growth. ADIO manages and facilitates investment opportunities through Musataha agreements in collaboration with other Abu Dhabi government entities.” It elaborated, “With access to a long-term leasing contract, Khazna will build and operate the facility, which is expected to generate significant economic activity and high-value job opportunities once it starts operations.”
Ziad Samaha, Vice President Business Development at Khazna, said, “Data centres are the backbone infrastructure of everything digital and are a vital component to an effective and forward-looking economy.” He further said, “By expanding our network of cutting-edge hyperscale data centres through our partnership with ADIO, we are actively shaping the UAE into a prominent digital hub attracting large hyperscale organisations, fostering innovation, and driving growth in the technology sector.”
Mansoor Al Bastaki, Head of Musataha at ADIO, said, “Data in the 21st century is often compared to oil in the 18th century: an immensely valuable, yet untapped resource. At ADIO, we recognise the importance of data in propelling our present and future economy, and as such we’re proud to support a project that will add further depth to Abu Dhabi’s digital infrastructure. As always, Musataha serves as a powerful tool to empower investors to move further and faster towards achieving their business goals alongside adding short-term impact and delivering long-term value for Abu Dhabi.”