BENGALURU: Digital Dubai has outlined significant advancements spearheaded by a collaborative effort among government and private sectors to implement a Strategic Vision for the Data Centre Economy in Dubai.
The initiative, endorsed by The Executive Council, aims to position the emirate as a paradigm of futuristic economies underpinned by emerging technologies.
Integral to the vision are the objectives articulated in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aspires to enhance the productivity of Dubai’s economy by 50 per cent through digital innovation.
A comprehensive analysis conducted by Digital Dubai revealed substantial opportunities for coordination among various stakeholders. The goal is to attract and establish data centres focused on artificial intelligence, positioning Dubai as an attractive investment hub for this burgeoning sector.
The economic implications of this strategic vision are profound.
The study indicates that the establishment of AI-backed data centres is projected to generate an additional AED14.3 billion in value by 2028 while simultaneously fostering job creation within the digital economy.
Moreover, adopting this vision is anticipated to bolster Dubai’s readiness for next-generation technologies, including Web 3.0, the Metaverse, Smart Cities, and the Internet of Things and to further reinforce partnerships across sectors, particularly in sustainable artificial intelligence initiatives.
Partnering with several entities
Digital Dubai is partnering with several key entities, such as the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. These partnerships are crucial for refining coordinated measures that will solidify Dubai’s position as a leader in the future economy.
The emphasis on high-performance computing and advanced data centre utilisation reflects a commitment to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at maximising renewable energy use and enhancing governmental procedures related to energy access and efficiency.
These measures will not only facilitate the operationalisation of the data centre economy but also support the broader strategic position of artificial intelligence within Dubai.
Transformative strategy
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said these developments leverage the UAE’s competitive advantages, positioning it as a premier global destination for sustainable data centres.
“In addition, economic leaders like Younus Al Nasser and Hadi Badri have highlighted the transformative potential of the data centre economy in responding to evolving global economic patterns and fostering innovative business models.”
Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said, the transformative strategy is to enable the city to remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
“By future-proofing Dubai for the next generation of technologies, we are fostering a fertile ground for innovation that unlocks significant economic potential, aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda.”
