Equinix has unveiled its third International Business Exchange (IBX) data centre, DX3, in Dubai. This new facility is set to become the largest and most interconnected data centre in the region, reinforcing Equinix’s commitment to empowering digital transformation and innovation in the UAE and beyond.
The inauguration of DX3 was celebrated at an event attended by high-profile guests, including Omar Sultan Al Olama, responsible for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications in the United Arab Emirates, Meghan Gregonis, the United States Consul General in Dubai, and Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC).
AI takes centre stage in this development as Equinix recognises the increasing significance of artificial intelligence in the Middle East and globally. According to Equinix’s global survey of 2,900 IT decision-makers, 85 percent of respondents worldwide are eager to harness AI’s advantages, with a majority already integrating it into key functions. Impressively, 77 percent of IT leaders surveyed in the UAE confirmed their existing IT infrastructure’s readiness for AI, surpassing the global and EMEA averages.
Kamel Al-Tawil, Managing Director of Equinix MENA, emphasised the transformative potential of AI and Equinix’s role in supporting this transformation with the DX3 data centre. DX3 is strategically located in Dubai Production City, a burgeoning hub at the crossroads of the world’s most dynamic markets, enhancing the region’s position as a global trade and investment destination.
The investment in DX3 is set to exceed $100 million upon full completion, making it Equinix’s most extensive data centre in the Middle East. In addition to AI capabilities, DX3 is designed for energy efficiency, featuring cutting-edge technologies in cooling, redundancy, and scalability. It is also planned to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
“At Equinix, we’ve formulated our AI strategy to empower our clients to harness the vast potential of artificial intelligence. By utilising its predictive and analytical capabilities, we aim to fuel innovation, elevate user experiences, and streamline operations. With the rising wave of AI-driven innovation in the UAE, we are excellently positioned to provide local businesses with the essential digital infrastructure,” said Al-Tawil.
With 1,800 cabinets of capacity across two phases and a footprint of 12,000 square meters, DX3 is poised to be a beacon of digital opportunity, empowering local businesses and contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a top global center for trade, logistics, finance, and tourism. Equinix’s dedication to digital infrastructure and innovation continues to reshape the Middle East’s tech landscape, ushering in a new era of digital excellence.
