VOLT UAE, the regional platform established by Dutch data center and AI factory developer VOLT, has entered into a joint venture with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) to build an AI factory at Dubai Silicon Oasis. Spanning up to 60,000 square meters, the development will be implemented in two phases: an initial 29 MW readily available capacity, followed by an additional 100 MW of committed power.
In a press release by the Dubai Media Office, it was revealed that under the agreement, DIEZ will provide land and core infrastructure, while VOLT UAE will develop, finance, and lead construction of the data center facilities, as well as oversee design, execution, leasing, and operations in line with agreed requirements. The announcement was made in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ; Han de Groot, CEO of VOLT; Koenraad Crooijmans, Head of Capital Markets at VOLT; and Amel Chadli, President, Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric.
Han de Groot, CEO, VOLT, said, “This partnership with Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority marks a significant strategic milestone in advancing our international expansion. The Emirate of Dubai offers world-class infrastructure, positioning it as a natural hub for the next wave of digital and AI-infrastructure driven growth.” He further said that he saw the project as “more than a data center” and that it was “designed as a potential AI factory, a facility where energy is transformed into intelligence, supporting advanced AI applications and digital workloads for the region.”
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman, DIEZ, said, “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. It also reflects the value of leveraging specialised expertise in the development and operation of data centres.” He added, “This initiative aligns with the vision of the UAE’s leadership to further strengthen the country’s position on the global economic map.”
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 centre infrastructure to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.”
Amel Chadli, President, Gulf Cluster, Schneider Electric, said, “What we are witnessing at Dubai Silicon Oasis is nothing short of a defining moment for the UAE’s digital future. DIEZ embodies a bold national vision, a testament to the UAE’s unwavering commitment to leading the world’s AI economy. And at the heart of that vision stands this landmark AI-ready data centre, the foundation upon which tomorrow’s smart city will be built.”
The announcement comes at a time when Dubai is working hard to maintain its reputation as a global hub of finance and technology, and a safe business center, in wake of the US-Israel-Iran war, which saw data centers in the city take a hit during drone strikes.