In a move aimed at strengthening Dubai’s digital infrastructure ambitions, the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has announced a joint venture with VOLT UAE, the regional arm of Dutch data center and AI factory developer VOLT, to build an advanced AI-ready data center in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The partnership is set to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for the digital economy, with the facility designed to support high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications.

The upcoming facility will feature high-performance infrastructure engineered for exceptional resilience, uninterrupted operations, and long-term security under all conditions. Designed with reinforced architecture, redundant systems, and hardened infrastructure, it will ensure continuous availability even in the most demanding environments while supporting advanced computing and AI workloads.

As part of the project, DIEZ and VOLT UAE will collaborate with Schneider Electric, headquartered in Dubai Silicon Oasis, to deliver advanced electrical systems, power distribution, and smart data center infrastructure to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

The announcement was formalized during an official signing ceremony at DIEZ headquarters, attended by senior representatives from all parties.

Spanning up to 60,000 square meters, the development will be rolled out in two phases, beginning with an initial 29 MW capacity, followed by an additional 100 MW of committed power. The project will be built within the integrated ecosystem of Dubai Silicon Oasis, supporting the rapid growth of the data center sector and addressing increasing demand for advanced computing solutions.

The strategic partnership aligns with DIEZ’s broader efforts to enhance digital infrastructure readiness and attract investment in future-focused sectors, while also reflecting Dubai’s vision to consolidate its position as a leading global digital economy hub.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said the partnership reflects growing investor confidence in Dubai’s ecosystem. “This strategic partnership comes at a pivotal time amid rapid global shifts, reaffirming the resilience of Dubai’s economic model and its strong investment appeal in future-focused sectors,” he said, adding that it underscores the emirate’s ability to attract global players in advanced infrastructure.

For VOLT, the project marks a major step in its global expansion. CEO Han de Groot described the development as more than a traditional facility. “This project is therefore more than a data center: it is designed as a potential AI factory, a facility where energy is transformed into intelligence,” he said, highlighting its role in supporting advanced AI applications and digital workloads.

He added that the rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, with compute power becoming a critical production factor, positioning Dubai as a natural hub for next-generation AI infrastructure.

Amel Chadli, President of the Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric, framed the project as a milestone for the UAE’s digital future. “What we are witnessing at Dubai Silicon Oasis is nothing short of a defining moment for the UAE’s digital future,” she said, noting that the facility will serve as a foundation for next-generation smart city development.

Under the agreement, DIEZ will provide land and core infrastructure, while VOLT UAE will lead the development, financing, construction, and operations of the data center.

The project also aligns with expansion plans within Dubai Silicon Oasis, including the AED 11 billion District IO initiative, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to building future-ready infrastructure that supports innovation and AI-driven growth.