AI has reshaped every industry, and those yet to adopt it are racing to catch up. The Middle East, emerging as a hub for AI innovation, is poised for significant advancements in the coming decade.

However, its rapid adoption comes with an increasing demand for high-performance computing, real-time data processing, and scalable cloud environments—placing immense pressure on digital infrastructure, particularly data centers. As a result, the data center sector is on the brink of significant, transformative growth driven by AI’s increasing computing requirements.

In 2025, data center development financing is expected to achieve another record year, with an estimated 10 GW breaking ground globally and 7 GW reaching completion. Despite growing investment, the industry faces key challenges, including sustainability, climate change, security, and the shift to advanced cooling technologies.

As AI evolves, data centers must adapt to meet new computing requirements, making efficiency, security, and sustainability more critical than ever. This shift highlights the need for innovative, future-ready solutions that optimize operations while minimizing environmental impact.

AI is changing how data centers operate, making them smarter, more efficient, and better equipped to handle the growing demands of a digital world. To explore this shift, Fast Company Middle East, in partnership with Schneider Electric, is launching AI Data Centers Decoded— a content series focused on how AI is reshaping data infrastructure.

The series will bring together industry leaders to explore how data centers are at the heart of digital transformation.

Through expert insights and real-world examples, the series will explore the challenges and opportunities ahead, offering a clearer picture of what AI means for the future of data centers and enterprise technology.

Through boardroom sessions and exclusive insights, the series will help businesses understand how, with digital automation and energy management, data center solutions enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

Ravi Raman, Publisher of Fast Company Middle East, said, “AI Data Centers Decoded reflects Fast Company Middle East’s commitment to exploring the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across industries. In the AI era, advanced data centers are essential in providing the critical infrastructure that powers innovation and progress. As AI technologies evolve, the demand for high-performance computing and efficient data processing has surged, positioning data centers at the forefront of this transformation.”

“AI is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and innovate, but none of it happens without the backbone of digital transformation: data centers. As the Middle East & Africa Region accelerates toward an AI-powered future, we must rethink how we design and operate these critical infrastructures. Schneider Electric is committed to pioneering energy-efficient, intelligent solutions that make data centers more resilient, sustainable, and ready for the future. Together with Fast Company Middle East, we are driving a bold conversation on AI-driven infrastructure because the time to innovate is now,” said Mouna Essa-Egh, Vice President – Data Center & Networks Business of Schneider Electric Middle East & Africa.