meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Data centre activity soars in Saudi Arabia

23 February 2024

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a major uptick in the construction of data centre assets across the country.

Despite the preference for data centres to be inconspicuous due to security concerns, it is not uncommon to see certain construction sites or completed facilities marked clearly as such when one navigates the capital city, Riyadh.

Data sovereignty regulations as well as the widespread use of electronic commerce and social media particularly by young Saudis are driving the data centre construction boom, notes a Riyadh-based expert.

Government agencies, banks, and family-owned conglomerates, in addition to local and international data centre developers and operators, have either started constructing or are planning to start the construction of data centre facilities across Saudi Arabia. 

The value of known data centre projects pipeline in the kingdom falls under $1bn, according to regional projects tracking service MEED Projects. While this value corresponds to just one utility-scale renewable energy plant or a minor upgrade of an oil production facility in Saudi Arabia, future plans point to a major expansion of such facilities, which underpin the kingdom's digital hub and artificial intelligence (AI) strategies.

For instance, the government announced in 2021 a plan to build a network of large-scale data centres that will require investments of up to $18bn by 2030.  At the time, the kingdom's Communications & Information Technology Ministry (MCIT) tapped local firms Gulf Data Hub, Al-Moammar Information Systems and Saudi FAS Holding as its initial partners for the scheme. 

The following year, Saudi-headquartered Quantum Switch Tamasuk (QST)  unveiled plans to design and operate data centre projects with a cumulative total capacity of 300MW for the MCIT  by 2026. The project will comprise six locations across Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Neom, with a reported budget of at least $2bn.

Foreign investments have started pouring in to accommodate the rising capacity demand as well as the kingdom's ambition to become a digital hub.

Dubai developer Damac Properties-owned Edgnex is constructing a data centre, which will have a minimum capacity of 20MW, at Industrial City 2. 

In October last year, South Korea’s second-largest telecoms company, KT, in collaboration with Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) and the local telecoms group STC, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to construct internet data centres (IDC) and smart cities in the kingdom. 

Similarly, the UAE-based cloud and data service provider Khazna Data Centres also plans to build data centres in Saudi Arabia as it executes its overseas expansion plans. 

In May last year, sovereign vehicle, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), teamed up with US-based infrastructure investor and asset manager DigitalBridge to develop data centres and related digital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC states.

Telecoms service provider Zain is also expected to build a new data centre with some support from the kingdom's SR5tn ($1.35tn) Shareek private sector investment programme.

Crucially, US-headquartered IT and cloud services giants Microsoft and Oracle pledged at the annual Riyadh tech conference, Leap, last year, to invest a total of $9bn in the kingdom. This will go into the construction of multiple data centres to form a so-called cloud region catering to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region.

Similarly, Chinese tech firm Huawei has pledged to invest $400m to build cloud services in the kingdom.

"The demand is there that's why we are focusing on these projects," said the Riyadh-based construction expert, who also acknowledges that the depreciation rate for data centres is higher compared to real estate assets due to the high obsolescence of technology and the need to replace data centre components frequently.

Digital hub

A growth in the number of subsea cable landing sites in the kingdom is occurring in parallel with the substantial growth in data centre facilities and capacity.

A 45,000-kilometre subsea cable network connecting Africa, Asia and Europe, 2Africa, reached two of its four landing sites in Saudi Arabia in May 2023. The landing sites are in Jeddah and Yanbu.  The cable is expected to reach the third landing site in Duba late last year and the fourth site in Al-Khobar in 2024.

Once completed, 2Africa will connect Saudi Arabia to 33 countries, bringing the kingdom closer to its goal of becoming a digital hub.

The stakes are high for the kingdom, which has simultaneously launched plans to industrialise its economy, decarbonise its industries, increase localisation and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

While constructing energy-intensive data centres – which globally account for 1% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions –  may seem counter-intuitive to these objectives, the rapid advancements in cooling and other data centre components, as well as the potential deployment of clean energy to power them, are expected to ease these assets' environmental impact.

 

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11543521/main.jpg
Jennifer Aguinaldo

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Gas-fired projects drive resilience in UAE power sector

    14 October 2026

     

    The $3bn Taweelah C combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) project has been the UAE power sector’s standout contract award this year, accounting for the majority of the $4.17bn in awards as of early September.

    The total is well below the record $12.02bn awarded in 2025, when Abu Dhabi’s $6bn round-the-clock solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (bess) project lifted the market to record levels. However, 2026 remains broadly consistent with recent years, compared with $5.93bn in 2024 and $3.05bn in 2023.

    According to MEED Projects, generation accounted for $3.06bn across three awards, while transmission contracts totalled $1.11bn.

    Gas-fired focus

    Emirates Water & Electricity Company (Ewec) signed the power-purchase agreement (PPA) for Taweelah C in June with a consortium comprising Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jomaih Energy & Water Company and Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries.

    The scale of the 2.5GW independent power producer (IPP) provides a useful lens through which to view the wider market. Although the UAE continues to expand solar generation and battery storage, it is still investing heavily in flexible thermal capacity to support rising electricity demand and a grid with significant renewable generation.

    Major gas-fired opportunities are also moving into the Northern Emirates, with state utility Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE) preparing to receive offers from five contractor groups for the 2.6GW Al-Zawra CCGT project in Ajman.

    The project follows the retirement of EtihadWE’s older 200MW Al-Zawra gas plant in 2023. With Ewec acting as offtaker, the scheme also points to a wider role for EtihadWE in developing large-scale generation.

    It is understood that the Ajman project will be the first of at least three planned power plant projects procured by the utility under a new long-term roadmap for future projects across both power and water.

    Abu Dhabi’s 3.3GW Al-Nouf IPP is another major gas-fired plant moving towards execution. Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation is expected to formally sign the PPA by the end of the year, while the joint venture of Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas and Egypt’s Orascom Construction is also set to be confirmed as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.

    To put this into context, the deal would make 2026 the second most valuable year for power sector investment on record, eclipsing both 2017 and 2018, when contract awards in the UAE reached $7.39bn and $7.27bn, respectively.

    Solar and storage

    The UAE’s renewable procurement is increasingly combining solar generation with storage to provide electricity beyond daylight hours.

    Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) is preparing to award the seventh phase of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park, with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) submitting the lowest tariff for the project in July.

    China’s BYD will act as a bess supplier for the project, which combines 2,000MW of PV capacity with a 1,400MW bess designed to discharge for six hours, equivalent to 8,400MWh of stored energy.

    The storage component will allow Dewa to use more solar power after sunset, reducing the gap between daytime generation and the evening demand peak.

    The 1,800MW sixth phase is also nearing completion, with Larsen & Toubro delivering the estimated $1.5bn project for Shuaa Energy 4, the project company formed by Dewa and Masdar.

    Dewa has increased the planned capacity of the solar park to 7,260MW by 2030, from its earlier target of 5,000MW.

    Furthermore, Ewec is advancing its 1.5GW Al-Zarraf solar PV plant, with EDF and Korea Western Power Company selected as the consortium to develop the project.

    Grid expansion

    Multibillion-dollar IPP schemes have driven annual award values in recent years, while transmission work continues to provide a steadier flow of opportunities for contractors and equipment suppliers.

    Transmission awards fell to $1.11bn across 22 packages in 2026, from $2.98bn in 2025, reflecting the absence of a comparable large-scale package rather than a halt in network investment.

    Ewec and Taqa are expanding 400kV and 132kV networks across Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, while Dewa continues to reinforce its cable and substation systems in Dubai.

    In September, EtihadWE received bids for a contract to carry out a techno-economic feasibility study for a proposed 2GW subsea electricity interconnector with India.

    The proposed 1,400-kilometre link would be the UAE’s first direct subsea cross-border electricity interconnector, illustrating a potential longer-term ambition to connect the UAE to wider regional and international power markets.

    Earlier this year, the GCC Interconnection Authority awarded Omexom, part of France’s Vinci Group, a contract to build a 400kV overhead transmission line between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

    In October, the UAE and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to advance cross-border electricity interconnection, paving the way for feasibility studies on power exchange, commercial electricity trading and the expansion of the wider GCC interconnection grid.

    Waste-to-energy

    Waste-to-energy continues to become an increasingly important part of the UAE’s infrastructure pipeline as the country seeks to reduce landfill dependence and diversify its power mix through alternative generation sources.

    Dubai Municipality recently invited developers to submit expressions of interest for its planned Jebel Ali waste-to-energy public-private partnership, a greenfield facility designed to treat up to 6,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste a day.

    According to a source, the municipality plans to prequalify developers later this year, then issue a request for proposals in the first quarter of 2027.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20582379/main.gif
    Mark Dowdall
  • Riyadh awards $1.5bn metro rolling stock contracts

    14 October 2026

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has signed contracts worth about SR5.5bn ($1.5bn) to procure 94 additional trains for the Riyadh Metro network.

    Germany’s Siemens and France’s Alstom have been awarded the contracts. They cover rolling stock manufacture, onboard systems, equipment and related services.

    The procurement will increase the metro fleet from 183 to 277 trains. Deliveries are due to begin in phases in 2028, with the additional units subject to testing and operational trials before entering service.

    RCRC expects the programme to increase the network’s passenger capacity by 60%.

    The additional trains will be distributed across the six metro lines based on current demand and projected ridership.

    The Red Line will receive the largest capacity increase, at 142%, followed by the Yellow Line at 116% and the Blue Line at 60%. Capacity on the Orange and Purple lines will increase by 27% and 16%, respectively.

    Daily capacity on the Blue Line is set to increase from about 340,000 to 533,000 passengers. Capacity on the Red Line will rise from 154,000 to 370,000 passengers a day, while the Yellow Line will increase from 133,000 to more than 288,000.

    The expansion is intended to meet rising demand for public transport as Riyadh prepares to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 Fifa World Cup, alongside continued growth in residential, commercial and entertainment developments.

    Speaking at the 37th government press conference, RCRC chief executive Ibrahim Al-Sultan said the metro has carried more than 300 million passengers since it began operating.

    Average metro ridership rose by about 25% in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, he added.

    The wider Riyadh public transport system, including buses and the metro, is approaching 500 million passenger journeys.

    MEED’s October 2026 report on Saudi Arabia includes:

    > COMMENT: Saudi projects hold steady
    > GOVERNMENT: Riyadh looks to reset its regional defence outlook
    > ECONOMY: Conflict bolsters case for Saudi economic diversification
    > BANKING: Saudi lenders readjust to lower lending and deposit climate
    > UPSTREAM: Aramco upstream spending gathers pace
    > DOWNSTREAM: Sabic steps up Saudi petchems investment
    > POWER: Saudi Arabia’s power award activity slows
    > WATER: Saudi water sector hits sharp slowdown
    > CONSTRUCTION: Saudi construction defies the headwinds
    > TRANSPORT: Saudi infrastructure pushes forward amid conflict
    > DATABANK: Saudi data indicates project spending shift

    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20582763/main.png
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Jeddah extends bid deadline for drainage scheme

    14 October 2026

     

    Jeddah Municipality has extended the deadline for contractors to submit bids for the construction of a rainwater drainage network for the Prince Fawaz neighbourhood.

    The new deadline is 15 November. The original deadline was 12 October.

    The project aims to collect and convey rainwater away from residential streets and low-lying areas. It is valued at $60m and is intended to reduce flood risk during heavy rainfall.

    The scope includes manholes, stormwater catch basins and connections to existing manholes, as well as the restoration of road surfaces.

    Prince Fawaz is a residential district in southern Jeddah, divided into northern and southern sections.

    It is connected to the Mecca-Jeddah Expressway and Al-Harmain Road, with road improvements in the southern section designed to improve access for residents and neighbouring districts

    The municipality is also advancing a second stormwater drainage project for the first package of Zone (BC), Old Zahraa, in Jeddah Governorate. The project is valued at about $30m.

    According to a source, bids were submitted for the project on 16 September.

    The two projects are part of the municipality’s wider drainage programme, which includes the flagship King Abdullah Road-Falasteen Road tunnel project.

    MEED previously reported that Saudi contractor Thrustboring Construction Company had been selected for phases one and two of the project, each valued at about $175m, covering the construction of large-diameter stormwater drainage tunnels. As of August, an official agreement had yet to be signed.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20580980/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • US initiates procurement for Expo 2030 Riyadh pavilion

    14 October 2026

     

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    The US Department of State has initiated market research to procure a design-and-build contract for the US Pavilion at Expo 2030 Riyadh.

    According to procurement documents released through the US federal contracting portal, the project covers the full design, construction, exhibition fit-out, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning and removal of the national pavilion.

    The total cost for the design, construction and decommissioning packages is estimated at $55m to $65m.

    The request for information notice was issued on 9 October.

    The pavilion will be developed on plot P5.N1.B03.01 within the Expo 2030 masterplan’s Technology district, fronting the Loop of Nations corridor.

    It spans 5,368 square metres (sq m), with a maximum permitted gross floor area (GFA) of 8,052 sq m and an overall building height limit of 20 metres.

    The planned temporary structure will rise approximately three storeys and house between 5,000 and 6,000 sq m of exhibition space. The brief requires the facility to accommodate at least 23,000 visitors a day over the event’s six-month duration.

    Additional programme elements include:

    • A rooftop garden and restaurant
    • Two commercial kitchens
    • A VIP reception suite
    • Dedicated retail and administrative office space
    • Back-of-house operational areas and exterior shaded public landscaping

    Interested contractors and joint ventures have been invited to submit capability statements by 11 November. Bidders must demonstrate prior experience delivering major pavilions or large-scale immersive exhibition spaces completed within the past 15 years, alongside international logistics and regional project delivery capabilities.

    UK-based engineering consultancy Buro Happold prepared the plot masterplanning and development guidelines for the zone.

    Another UK-headquartered firm, Trivandi, was selected in April as the operations partner for the US Pavilion at Riyadh Expo.

    Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 2030 to March 2031 under the theme Foresight for Tomorrow, with host authorities projecting roughly 42 million visits.

    The masterplan covers 6 square kilometres, making it one of the largest sites ever designated for a World Expo event.

    Situated north of the Saudi capital, the site will be near the future King Salman International airport and will provide direct access to Riyadh landmarks.

    The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth vehicle, launched Expo 2030 Riyadh Company – a wholly owned subsidiary – in June 2025 to build and operate facilities for Expo 2030.

    MEED’s October 2026 report on Saudi Arabia includes:

    > COMMENT: Saudi projects hold steady
    > GOVERNMENT: Riyadh looks to reset its regional defence outlook
    > ECONOMY: Conflict bolsters case for Saudi economic diversification
    > BANKING: Saudi lenders readjust to lower lending and deposit climate
    > UPSTREAM: Aramco upstream spending gathers pace
    > DOWNSTREAM: Sabic steps up Saudi petchems investment
    > POWER: Saudi Arabia’s power award activity slows
    > WATER: Saudi water sector hits sharp slowdown
    > CONSTRUCTION: Saudi construction defies the headwinds
    > TRANSPORT: Saudi infrastructure pushes forward amid conflict
    > DATABANK: Saudi data indicates project spending shift

    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20580855/main.jpeg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Oman invites bids for geothermal plant study

    14 October 2026

    Oman’s Nama Power & Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) has issued a tender for techno-economic consultancy services for phases two and three of the sultanate’s first planned geothermal power plant project.

    Known as the Hot Springs Geothermal Project, the tender covers geological, geochemical and deep geophysical investigations, geothermal resource assessment and three-dimensional conceptual modelling.

    It also includes site selection, a preliminary techno-economic assessment and preparation of a temperature-gradient drilling programme.

    The scope includes an optional phase three covering drilling tender support and supervision, post-drilling resource assessment, and detailed feasibility and development studies.

    Bid submissions are due by 30 November.

    The tender supports Oman’s efforts to assess geothermal energy’s potential as an additional source of renewable electricity. The country is seeking to diversify its energy mix as it expands its renewable energy programme under Oman Vision 2040 and works towards its net-zero emissions target for 2050.

    Nama PWP previously tendered the first phase of the project in April 2025, with the initial consultancy scope covering selected locations between Wilayat Fanja and Al-Ansab in Muscat Governorate. 

    Unlike solar and wind power, geothermal energy is seen as a way to provide a consistent source of energy regardless of weather conditions. However, the commercial viability of Oman’s geothermal resources remains to be established.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20578284/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall