A new report on the region’s digital infrastructure reveals that the MENA data center market is set to attract over $8 billion in new investments by 2027. The findings, detailed in the MENA Data Center Market Database, underscore the region’s rapid emergence as a global hub for digital and cloud services, driven by accelerated digital transformation and the expansion of hyperscale cloud providers.
A 5 GW Future Fueled by Digital Transformation
The comprehensive analysis, which covers 11 countries including the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, shows a monumental shift in capacity. While the existing data center capacity across MENA currently exceeds 1.2 GW, upcoming projects scheduled between 2024 and 2028 are projected to add nearly 5 GW. This expansion is a direct response to rising colocation demand from cloud deployments and the increasing power requirements of AI workloads.
Saudi Arabia Dominates Regional Development
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this growth, accounting for over 45% of the total new power capacity planned for the MENA region. This dominant position is fueled by the country’s Vision 2030 initiatives, which aim to establish the Kingdom as a premier data and artificial intelligence powerhouse. The strong pipeline of data center projects reflects a national strategy to attract investment and build a world-class digital economy.
Key Players Powering the Colocation Boom
The report profiles over 100 operators and investors actively shaping the market. Prominent regional and international players are expanding their footprint, including Khazna Data Centers, center3 (stc), Etisalat, Equinix, Gulf Data Hub, Ooredoo, Omantel, Telecom Egypt, EdgeConneX, and DAMAC’s Edgnex. These companies are instrumental in developing the next generation of energy-efficient, Tier III+ certified facilities to meet growing enterprise and government demand.
Strategic Trends Shaping the Market
Several key trends are propelling the market’s trajectory. Growing public-private partnerships are accelerating the development of sustainable data centers, while regulatory liberalization and tax reforms are attracting significant foreign investment. The insatiable demand for cloud services and AI-ready infrastructure remains the primary catalyst, positioning MENA as one of the world’s fastest-growing colocation ecosystems.
About The MENA Data Center Market Database
The MENA Data Center Market Database provides a detailed portfolio analysis of the region’s colocation data centers across Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE. It offers a breakdown of 197 existing and 113 upcoming facilities, with metrics on power capacity, investment, design standards, and white-floor space. The database serves as a strategic tool for investors, contractors, infrastructure providers, and government agencies to support market entry, planning, and capacity forecasting.
Source: MEA TechWatch
