GEC NEWS WIREEvoteq, the Middle East’s leading digital transformation catalyst, and Khazna, the UAE’s largest data centre wholesale providers, are collaborating with a view to jointly develop Sharjah’s first Tier 3 data centre. The data centre will enable faster and more efficient digital transformation of Sharjah, and its development into a smart city.
The agreement was formalised by Jihad Tayara, CEO of Evoteq; and Hassan Al Naqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers in the presence of HH Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Director General of Sharjah Department of e-Government Relations; HE Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations; HE Salim Al Owais, Chairman of Evoteq; Badr Al Olama, Senior Executive of Mubadala; and HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Executive Board member of Evoteq.
Data centres are fast becoming the foundation blocks for enabling smart cities safeguarding business continuity, key operations and data sovereignty, which form the blueprint of smart cities. Evoteq and Khazna intend to combine their expertise to develop an industry-standard Tier 3 data centre, encompassing high-tech security, fire and environmental control systems, and full redundancy grade power.
The collaboration is a response to the growing demand for secure, world-class data infrastructure by local and international entities. Target sectors of the new data centre include government departments, banks, universities, enterprises and technology companies.
In addition to enabling and supporting the growth of Sharjah into a smart city, the planned data centre will also enhance business continuity and scalability opportunities for commercial and government entities. Furthermore, the data centre will support Sharjah’s goals for attracting global and leading technology companies to invest in the Emirate. This is part of the wider vision for the Emirate to bring sustainable economic returns and generating jobs for UAE nationals.
Jihad Tayara, CEO of Evoteq, said of the announcement: “Evoteq aims to play a critical role in the region’s digital transformation, beginning with the UAE. Building a Tier 3 data centre in Sharjah will bring considerable digital experience and technological expertise to the table, and we are delighted to work with Khazna in developing this ground-breaking project.”
Tayara added: “The Data Centre holds immense benefits to the Sharjah public and private sector and will ensure their future development as the Emirate continues its transitions to a smarter city. We look forward to creating immense value for Sharjah through this project and building the city’s reputation as a forward looking, futuristic city in line with the leadership’s ambitions.”
Hassan Al Naqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers, said of the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with Evoteq on this ambitious project, as we share a mutual interest in driving digital transformation in the UAE. Building Sharjah’s first Tier 3 data center will have immense economic benefits not only in Sharjah, but also the wider UAE.”
Khazna Data Centers is the only dedicated commercial wholesale data center provider in the UAE and is one of the largest data center infrastructure operators in the Middle East and North Africa region. Operations at its two state-of-the-art facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are set to deliver a combined IT load of 24+ MegaWatt. Khazna offers clients highly reliable infrastructure at globally competitive prices, while providing dedicated and secured IT space through which clients can operate their own equipment. The facilities are modular and highly scalable, allowing each facility to grow with the demands of every client. Khazna is majority-owned by Mubadala Investment Company.
Evoteq is a UAE-based solutions provider that champions technological innovations and digital transformation across the region. By aligning with the latest next generation technologies, Evoteq invests in promising and innovative applications, to deliver effective, Impactful and sustainable transformation of services, business performances and communities. From facilitating smart transportation, to building smart city management systems, digitising public sector and corporate services, and fortifying supply chains, Evoteq deploys integrated platforms across a range of industries.
