Digital Dubai to implement vision for developing data centre economy

This vision also aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Digital Dubai, in collaboration with its government and private sector partners, has begun taking practical steps to implement the Strategic Vision for the Dubai Data Centre Economy, which was previously approved by the Executive Council to consolidate the emirate’s position as a leading example of future economies powered by emerging technologies.

These activities are also in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to increase the productivity of Dubai’s economy by 50% through digital innovation.

Digital Dubai conducted a scientific and realistic analysis of the current situation. This analysis showed that there is ample scope for coordination between stakeholders to attract and establish potential AI data centers and make Dubai an attractive city for this type of investment.

A study conducted by Digital Dubai found that adopting a strategic vision for AI-powered data centres would generate added value exceeding AED 14.3 billion by 2028 and help create more jobs in the digital economy in the context of data centres.

The adoption of this strategic vision is expected to enhance Dubai’s readiness for next-generation technologies (Web 3.0), including the Metaverse, Smart Cities and the Internet of Things. It will also help strengthen partnerships with other sectors in areas such as sustainable AI.

Digital Dubai is working with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Digital Government, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, the General Secretariat of the Executive Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to work in a coordinated manner to make Dubai more ready for the economy of the future and to strengthen its leadership position in this space.

The strategic vision of a data centre economy powered by AI reflects an advanced stage in the development of digital leadership, the digital economy and building a bright future for the emirate.

Embracing this vision would unleash a new dynamic that would pave the way for achieving a state of comprehensive integration and coordination between the various entities operating in this field. This is being spearheaded by Digital Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and non-governmental agencies operating in this field.

These initiatives include developing high-performance computing systems, ensuring the use of advanced data centers, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, facilitating appropriate government procedures, increasing access to renewable energy sources, improving energy conservation and strengthening the coordinating role of government in planning, land, energy and other areas.

These initiatives also include support for Dubai’s strategic position in terms of AI readiness.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, CEO of Digital Dubai, said the UAE has significant competitive advantages that make it a leading global location for sustainable data centres.

“Dubai’s digital economy is a key pillar of Dubai’s digital strategy, which aims to increase its contribution to the emirate’s overall economy by $100 billion.” Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, commented: “As global transformations continue, new economic patterns and business models are emerging that create future opportunities for dynamic economies like Dubai. The data centre economy is an example of these transformations.

Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “The transformational strategy to create an AI-powered data centre economy is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, ensuring the city remains at the forefront of the rapidly growing global digital economy.

“By future-proofing Dubai for next-generation technologies, we are creating fertile ground for innovation that unlocks significant economic potential, aligned with the goals of Agenda D33.” The next phase will see efforts and initiatives to increase end-to-end integration among stakeholders in the context of the data centre economy, as Digital Dubai currently works to raise the level of cloud computing adoption in the government sector.

A separate Digital Dubai initiative was recently announced to raise standards for data quality, accessibility and governance.

The aim of the initiative is to create a leading platform for exchange of experiences between government entities and learning from each other’s best practices in order to improve the quality of data shared on the Dubai Pulse platform.