Abu Dhabi and Dubai Lead Emerging Global Data Center Markets

Jul 14, 2025
Cushman & Wakefield's 2025 report ranks Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the top emerging data center markets, highlighting the UAE's strategic growth in digital infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been ranked as the top two emerging data center markets globally, announced in a press release by Cushman & Wakefield. The 2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison report highlights the UAE's rapid ascent as a strategic hub for digital infrastructure.

The report evaluates 97 markets worldwide based on 20 critical variables, including power availability, fiber connectivity, and land pricing. Abu Dhabi and Dubai's top rankings reflect the UAE's successful infrastructure planning and policy support, which have attracted significant investments from global operators.

The UAE is experiencing strong demand from hyperscalers and AI deployments, with over 250 MW of live capacity and an additional 500 MW in development. Notable projects include the Stargate UAE project in Abu Dhabi, anchored by OpenAI, Oracle, and Nvidia, and a $540 million hyperscale facility in Dubai by du and Microsoft.

The UAE data center market, valued at USD 1.26 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 3.33 billion by 2030. This growth is supported by large-scale capital programs and global investment platforms, positioning the region as a key player in the future of digital infrastructure.

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