UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, has initiated a request for qualifications (RFQ) to develop a unified data center aimed at consolidating digital infrastructure across over 40 government entities. This marks a significant step in the emirate’s efforts to modernize and centralize its IT systems.
A unified data center is a centralized hub designed to securely store and manage data and applications, serving as the core of integrated IT and cloud platforms. Abu Dhabi’s proposed system will replace fragmented infrastructure with a hybrid multi-cloud platform known as ADGOV Cloud. This innovative platform will combine global cloud providers like Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Amazon Web Services with a private, secure government cloud hosted in a third-party facility.
The RFQ emphasizes the need for robust sovereign security controls to protect sensitive data while enhancing scalability and operational efficiency. This initiative demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s commitment to balancing local data sovereignty with the flexibility offered by global cloud technologies.
Across the Gulf region, investments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity are surging as nations diversify their economies and prioritize data sovereignty. Data centers are pivotal in supporting AI development by providing the computational power and storage necessary for AI model training and deployment.
Mahesh Jaishankar, a senior adviser at Arthur D Little, described Abu Dhabi’s plan as a major advancement. He noted that leveraging multiple cloud providers will create a secure, efficient, and adaptable IT infrastructure, though he also highlighted the complexity of managing such environments. This transition, he said, would necessitate developing skilled IT expertise across government agencies.
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In addition to the data center initiative, Abu Dhabi has released another tender for a cloud migration office to oversee the transition of data and applications to the new unified system. Both RFQs are set to close on January 20.
This effort aligns with a growing global trend where governments adopt hybrid cloud models that combine public and private infrastructure to address escalating concerns over data security. Jaishankar pointed out that data sovereignty is a key driver, enabling nations to retain control over critical information essential to national security.
He further explained that by keeping data within local jurisdictions, sensitive information can be safeguarded against external threats. As “data is the new oil,” maintaining control over national data is critical for securing artificial intelligence infrastructures and advancing sovereign AI capabilities.
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