VOLT in the Netherlands has established a UAE platform and jointly built a 60000 square meter AI factory with the Dubai Comprehensive Economic Zone, providing 129 megawatts of power in two phases. Schneider Electric will provide the complete system to create a regional digital hub.

Dutch data center developer VOLT has officially settled in the Middle East through its regional platform VOLT UAE. The company has signed a joint venture agreement with the Dubai Integrated Economic Zone Authority to develop a dedicated AI factory covering an area of 60000 square meters in Dubai's Silicon Valley. This move is not only a crucial step in VOLT's international expansion strategy, but also seen as an important bargaining chip for Dubai to strengthen its global digital infrastructure position. The project has a grand scale and the power planning is divided into two steps: the first phase will provide 29 megawatts of ready to use capacity, followed by an additional commitment of 100 megawatts of power capacity to meet the power hungry demand of high-density AI computing.

A new model of infrastructure construction through government enterprise joint ventures

According to the agreement, both parties have clear division of labor. The Dubai Integrated Economic Zone Authority, as a government agency, is primarily responsible for providing land and core infrastructure; VOLT UAE takes on a more complex commercial role, responsible for facility development, financing, leading construction, and fully supervising subsequent design execution, leasing, and operation. This government enterprise joint venture model is not uncommon in Dubai, but the focus on AI factories this time is still at the forefront. VOLT CEO Han de Groot stated at the signing ceremony that Dubai has world-class infrastructure and is a natural hub for AI infrastructure driven growth. He emphasized that this is not just a traditional data center, but a factory designed to directly convert energy into intelligence, aimed at providing advanced AI applications and digital workload support for the Middle East region.

Schneider Electric's Technical Base

The technical implementation of the project cannot be separated from the support of industrial giants. As a partner, Schneider Electric, headquartered in Dubai's Silicon Valley, will provide advanced electrical systems, distribution solutions, and intelligent data center infrastructure for the factory. Amel Chadli, President of Schneider Electric Gulf Cluster, pointed out that this project is a decisive moment for the digital future of the UAE, proving the country's firm commitment to leading the world's AI economy. For Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zone Authority, this move not only aligns with the UAE leadership's vision to strengthen its global economic position, but also serves as a model for utilizing professional knowledge to enhance the level of data center development and operation in the rapidly changing global landscape.

A secure anchor point amidst turbulence

The timing of this announcement is intriguing. Just recently, Dubai was hit by drone attack alerts during the US Israel Iran conflict, which, although not causing substantial damage, also sparked brief concerns in the market about regional security. Dubai is striving to maintain its reputation as a global financial, technological, and secure business center. Keywords: Middle East news, AI factory, big data

In this context, the construction of VOLT AI factory is not only a commercial investment, but also a vote of confidence. By introducing top international developers and electrical suppliers, Dubai is attempting to prove to global capital that its resilience as a technology haven remains unbreakable.Editor/Cheng Liting