Khazna Data Centers, the UAE’s leading data center operator, has announced a massive 1GW expansion strategy that will significantly increase its footprint across the Middle East and Europe over the next five years. The ambitious growth plan comes as global demand for AI infrastructure reaches unprecedented levels, positioning Khazna as a key enabler of digital transformation across multiple continents.
Strategic Expansion Across Key Markets
The comprehensive expansion roadmap includes more than 400MW of new capacity in international markets, with significant projects underway in Saudi Arabia and Italy. According to recent analysis, this strategic positioning allows Khazna to capitalize on growing digital infrastructure demands in both emerging and established markets. The company’s global ambition reflects broader industry trends where data center capacity is becoming increasingly crucial for economic development.
Leadership Vision for AI Infrastructure
“As the world enters an era defined by AI and digital economies, infrastructure is becoming the catalyst for national transformation,” stated Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers. “At Khazna, we are proud to be building the foundation layer for AI-native nations, combining regional leadership with global ambition. Our expanded capacity roadmap reflects both the urgency and the opportunity ahead.” Industry experts note that this vision aligns with global infrastructure investment trends, according to recent analysis of economic development patterns.
Major International Projects Underway
Khazna’s international expansion includes several landmark projects:
- A massive 1GW development near Milan, Italy, developed in partnership with Italian energy firm Eni
- New facility in Cairo, Egypt, expanding the company’s North African presence
- Multiple hyperscale projects across the UAE in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ajman
The company’s growth strategy demonstrates how regional operators are scaling to meet global demands, data from international trade patterns suggests similar infrastructure investments are occurring worldwide.
Financial Backing and Corporate Evolution
The expansion is supported by a recently secured $2.6 billion financing facility from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and First Abu Dhabi Bank. This substantial financial backing follows significant corporate developments, including Khazna’s 2021 merger with G42 and e&’s data center operations that established it as the UAE’s largest data center provider. More recently, MGX and Silver Lake have invested in the firm, while e& has exited its stake, reflecting the dynamic nature of digital infrastructure investment.
Building the Foundation for Future Technologies
Beyond traditional data center services, Khazna is delivering critical infrastructure for advanced projects including the infrastructure layer for Stargate UAE. With 30 operational data centers and additional facilities under construction, the company is positioning itself as essential infrastructure for the next generation of compute-intensive applications. Additional coverage of infrastructure development trends shows similar patterns emerging across global markets as nations prioritize digital readiness.
The 1GW expansion plan represents one of the most significant infrastructure announcements in the region this year, underscoring the growing importance of data centers in global economic development and technological advancement.
