Khazna Data Centers, the Abu Dhabi-based global leader in hyperscale digital infrastructure, has announced the launch of Thuraya, a structured graduate development program aimed at cultivating the next generation of data center professionals. The initiative, designed in partnership with the International Data Center Authority (IDCA), is built to prepare early-career talent for critical roles in engineering, special projects, and operations.
A Finishing School For Mission-Critical Roles
The year-long Thuraya program functions as a data center finishing school for new graduates, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and operational readiness. It combines foundational technical training with supervised, hands-on experience within Khazna’s advanced data center environments. The program is specifically structured to support Khazna’s competency-based operating model, ensuring that training outcomes and assessments are directly tied to on-the-job execution and role preparedness.
Building A Standardized Talent Pipeline
Thuraya aims to reinforce Khazna’s internal training frameworks by establishing consistent standards, repeatable learning pathways, and measurable skills development for new employees. This strategic focus on in-house capability is crucial for maintaining operational excellence at scale.
“Khazna has moved quickly to build real operational capability at scale, and this is a strong signal of that intent,” said Mehdi Paryavi, Chairman and CEO of IDCA. “Programs like Thuraya matter because in-house teams are only as strong as the training behind them. This is how you develop consistent standards, reduce operational risk, and build the next generation of leaders for mission-critical infrastructure.”
Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers, added, “Thuraya is a practical investment in the people who will run the infrastructure behind the AI economy. It strengthens our model by accelerating capability development, embedding a culture of safety and discipline, and ensuring our teams are ready to operate at the service levels our customers expect.”
Hands-On Learning For The AI Economy
Participants in the Thuraya program will progress through structured learning modules, evaluations, and applied assignments that align with real-world design-build-operate workflows. The curriculum covers core topics such as data center design, safety protocols, operational procedures, and incident readiness. Assessments will validate competence before graduates are assigned to critical tasks, ensuring a high bar for performance.
“Building in-house capability at scale requires a consistent approach to learning and certification,” said Gabriella Planojevic, Learning & Talent Management Director at Khazna Data Centers. “Thuraya helps us attract and develop early-career talent, accelerate readiness, and maintain the high bar required for mission-critical environments.”
This initiative is part of Khazna’s broader commitment to developing world-class talent and strengthening operational resilience as the demand for high-density computing and AI-ready infrastructure continues to accelerate across the region.
About Khazna Data Centers
As one of the fastest-growing hyperscale data center platforms globally, Khazna Data Centers enables the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital economies by delivering advanced infrastructure with unparalleled energy efficiency. Khazna is at the forefront of data center technology, pioneering solutions that combine innovation, resiliency, and sustainability. Khazna empowers governments, businesses, and societies to thrive in the digital age with data centers that are designed to handle the high-density computing requirements essential for the next-generation, AI-powered applications powering the future economy.
About IDCA
The International Data Center Authority (IDCA) is a global independent Digital Economy think tank that works with nations to create AI policies, Digital Hubs, and Digital Economies by standardizing approaches, selection, design, feasibility, operations, and related processes and methodologies for digital infrastructure and related systems. IDCA is represented in more than 40 countries and is active globally in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Source: Zawya
