Khazna’s Strategy for Leading Edge Computing and Sustainable Data Centers

Exclusive Interview with Ziad Samaha, Vice President Business Development at Khazna Data Centers

1. Considering the growing demand for low-latency applications and services, how is Khazna positioning itself to capitalize on the trend of edge computing in the Middle East?

The proliferation of IoT devices and the need for real-time data processing have fueled the rise of edge computing. At Khazna, we recognized this shift and have adapted our data center design and management strategies accordingly. We focus on building scalable, resilient, and modular low-latency infrastructure for rapid deployments that support integrated solutions capable of combining traditional services with edge computing capabilities. We also partner with telecommunications providers to enhance connectivity and latency. By providing custom designs for industries with edge computing requirements, our data centers can attract diverse client base and capitalize on growing market trends. that supports edge computing requirements.

• Beyond energy efficiency, are there any other sustainability initiatives or certifications Khazna is pursuing to align with the region’s growing emphasis on environmental responsibility?

Our unwavering commitment to sustainability is what sets Khazna apart from other data center operators. We ensure to balance rapid growth with environmental responsibility by investing in energy-efficient technologies and innovative design strategies. For example, we have implemented advanced cooling systems like adiabatic cooling and adopted modular design practices to minimize energy and water consumption and reduce waste during construction. We are also shifting to renewable energy sources like solar, reducing reliance on conventional energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In October last year, we unveiled our plan to introduce biofuels to our portfolio of generators.  

Meeting sustainability standards such as LEED Gold certification has been a rigorous process, but it is a priority for us to ensure that our operations are in line with global best practices. The challenge has been ensuring that we continue to innovate in this space, especially as demand for data services grows, but we are proud to lead the region in sustainable infrastructure. 

• With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, how is Khazna differentiating its data center services to meet the evolving needs of cloud providers and enterprises in the Middle East?

The demand for cloud technology is soaring, driven by AI Supercloud developments and the need for scalable, flexible infrastructure. The rise of AI and machine learning applications is a major driver of cloud demand, as enterprises require vast computing power and storage to train and deploy AI models. At Khazna, we are catering to this by offering hyperscale data centers that provide robust cloud infrastructure, enhanced security, and the scalability to meet these evolving demands. Our facilities are designed to handle high-performance workloads while being energy-efficient and future-proof. 

• Given the increasing focus on digital transformation in the Middle East, are there any specific partnerships or collaborations Khazna has formed with local governments or tech companies?

Khazna’s success is testament to the strong partnerships we have established. These partnerships include our relationships with our strategic customers, technology and delivery partners, as well as other stakeholders. Our collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) under the Musataha program is a testament to our commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic vision. We have also partnered with Benya Group to enter the North African market, setting the stage for a significant presence in Egypt. We also collaborated with entities such as Emerge and BEEAH Digital, reiterating our commitment to sustainability in the data center industry.  

We recently announced our project with our partner HPE, to develop a new managed data center hosting service in the UAE. The service provides access to a data center facility fitted for end-to-end high-performance computing technologies, purpose-built for AI, spanning compute, accelerated compute, software, networking and direct liquid-cooling.  

• How is Khazna utilizing AI to enhance operational efficiency and security in its data centers?

The integration of AI technologies is revolutionizing data center operations. At Khazna, we embrace AI-powered analytics, machine learning, and automation to transform how we manage, optimize, and secure our data centers. We leverage AI to predict and address potential issues before they occur, optimize energy consumption, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Our data centers are equipped with high-density racks/rows to meet the power needs of AI equipment and the volume of data being processed.

For Generative AI specifically, it relies on massive amounts of data for training, and the ability to store, process, and analyze this data securely is paramount. Aware that security is key, Khazna ensures robust security measures such as guard points, vehicle crash barriers and sophisticated CCTV systems with 24/7 monitoring for the safeguarding of our client’s systems. 

• What are Khazna’s key priorities and highlights for their participation at GITEX 2024, and how do they plan to showcase their role in driving digital transformation in the Middle East?

We will be demonstrating how we are driving digital transformation across the region, and supporting the UAE in achieving its digital ambitions, through designing, building, and operating critical data center infrastructure.  

Key to this is ensuring that we are continually updating our technologies to explore the power of cutting-edge advances in data hosting. At GITEX, we will be exhibiting our innovative liquid cooling solutions, demonstrating the efficiency and sustainability of our cutting-edge cooling technology which can optimize data center performance while significantly reducing energy consumption. 

Our recent flagship data center AUH6 in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, along with DXB2 (our flagship facility in Dubai which will be launched in Q4 2025), have set a new standard for data centers across the region. Visitors at GITEX will have the opportunity to learn more about how AUH6 and DXB2 support Khazna’s goal to lead the market in green data center operations, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting a greener future.  At our stand, we will exhibit how Khazna is facilitating the integration of cutting-edge technology, including AI, into data center solutions.