Microsoft and du will collaborate to open a massive $545m data centre in Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, witnessed the announcement of the groundbreaking AED2bn ($544.5m) hyperscale data centre.
The facility will be developed and operated by du in collaboration with Microsoft.
Dubai data centre
The announcement was made during Sheikh Hamdan’s visit to Dubai AI Week 2025, which is being organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation.
The week-long event runs until April 25 across multiple locations including the Museum of the Future, AREA 2071, and Emirates Towers Boulevard.
The hyperscale data centre will be developed in multiple phases, progressively expanding capacity to meet the growing demand.
Microsoft will serve as the primary tenant, leveraging the facility’s advanced computing capabilities to support its cloud infrastructure and next-generation digital services.
Sheikh Hamdan said: “The project marks a significant investment in digital infrastructure, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in adopting the latest technologies, innovations, and digital services.
“Data is the wealth of the future and the foundation of technological progress. We remain committed to supporting local and international companies as we harness technology in innovative ways to benefit our communities.”
The project marks a pivotal leap in Dubai’s strategy to transform its digital ecosystem, going beyond core telecom services and establishing critical infrastructure that supports future economies.
The centre will play a vital role in addressing the surging demand for AI capabilities and sovereign cloud solutions, as well as a demand for increased digital capacity across the region.
The announcement of du’s new hyperscale data centre project supports the objectives of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, announced in 2024 by Sheikh Hamdan.
The plan focuses on developing national talent, integrating AI in the government sector, and expanding data centre infrastructure in the city.
Since its launch, the plan has driven significant progress in the development of data centres and has led to a substantial increase in investments in the sector.
This centre also reinforces the role of technological advancement in shaping the future economy and enhancing quality of life. Furthermore, it reflects the UAE’s commitment to global leadership in innovation and sustainability.
Currently, du operates various data centre sites across the UAE, offering secure and scalable foundation for digital applications and services.
Dubai AI Week 2025 is hosting participants from more than 100 nationalities, featuring more than 180 speakers, over 150 sessions and workshops, and more than 140 activities.
The event brings together global thought leaders from startups, corporates, governments, and academia to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
