Sharjah Communication Technologies Authority (SCTA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate with a joint venture of UAE-based companies to develop Tier-3 data centres in the UAE northern emirate of Sharjah.

The joint venture, known as Khaznah Sharjah, comprises sustainable energy developer Beeah Group and the Abu Dhabi-based Khazna Data Centers (Khazna).

The emirate’s largest data centre to be built in Kalba city will be the first asset in the joint venture's portfolio.  

The SCTA will provide regulatory oversight, secure land leases, power infrastructure, and facilitate the foundation for connectivity of the data centres. Khazna Sharjah will leverage their combined expertise to develop the data centers.

To develop the data centres as models for sustainable, digital infrastructure, the SCTA, Beeah and Khazna are exploring waste-to-energy as a power source, incorporating greywater recycling systems to reduce water consumption, and integrating technologies to minimise energy and maintenance requirements while maximising uptime.

According to an official statement, future data centres will be determined based on strategic priorities and development requirements.

They will consider factors such as scalability, the ability to integrate renewable energy solutions, and the infrastructure needed to support the future growth of telecommunications, AI and blockchain technologies.

The firms said: "The collaboration aims to advance technological infrastructure and fuel digital transformation and telecommunication solutions in Sharjah, starting with the city of Kalba.

"By exploring renewable sources to meet power requirements, the collaboration is also targeting a new benchmark for sustainability in the industry and the region."

SCTA executive sector Rashid Ali Al-Ali, Beeah Group CEO and vice-chairman Khaled Al-Huraimel, and Khazna CEO  Hassan Alnaqbi signed the MoU during a recent ceremony at the Beeah headquarters in Sharjah.

Sharjah Deputy Ruler and chairman of the Sharjah Communication Technologies Authority (SCTA) Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi witnessed the MOU signing, along with Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, director-general of the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD); Hamad Juma Al-Shamsi, chairman of the Department of Town Planning and Survey; Yousef Khamis Mohammad Al-Alathmani, chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority, and Saeed Sultan Al-Suwaidi, chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWGA).