• A strategic partnership between a leading global investment company and a leading Emirati company with a regional footprint
• KKR and GDH are committed to supporting over $5 billion in total investments to build data center capacity, supporting the surge in broadband demand, artificial intelligence and digital-focused national priorities across the Gulf.
• KKR’s first data center investment in the Middle East, adding to KKR’s unique global portfolio of four large-scale, multi-gigawatt platforms of assets spread across more than 100 facilities

DUBAI, LONDON & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gulf Data Center (GDH or the Company), one of the largest independent data center platforms in the Middle East focused on serving large-scale demand across the Gulf countries, and KKR , a leading global investment firm today announced that funds affiliated with KKR will acquire a stake in GDH. This investment, which is subject to usual regulatory approvals, is being made through KKR’s global infrastructure strategy.

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Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, GDH is one of the largest independent data center platforms for carriers and vendors in the Middle East with significant operational capacity and projects underway. With its proprietary portfolio of seven modern, purpose-built data centers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with additional facilities planned in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, GDH is focused on providing the infrastructure needed to meet large-scale demand. Across the region to support increasing data consumption driven by growing trends in digital connectivity, cloud and artificial intelligence.

This deal represents one of the largest international investments in a UAE-founded and managed company in a rapidly growing sector that benefits from high demand and major competitive advantages, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in accelerating digital capabilities and artificial intelligence. Upon completion, KKR and GDH have committed to supporting more than $5 billion in total investments to grow GDHs’ market-leading position and support international growth plans through organic and inorganic strategies.

GDH has successfully built on its first mover advantage and leveraged its scalable platform and large powered land bank to create a significant portfolio of assets. The company’s proven track record in building data centres, reliable delivery of availability, performance, security and wide-ranging customer support, and successful operation of secure data centers built to ensure continuous operation, has cemented its position as a premium company in the world of the fast-growing sector.

Commenting on the deal, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work ApplicationsHe, who witnessed the signing ceremony in Dubai, said: The United Arab Emirates embodies wise leadership, pushing digital capabilities and artificial intelligence to new heights. By turning ambitious visions into the achievements we see today, they set a global standard for innovation and progress. Through pioneering initiatives and strategic investments, the UAE is shaping a future where technology improves lives, fuels economic prosperity, and unlocks limitless opportunities.

The scholars added: “This achievement confirms the strength of the UAE’s digital economy, enhances its growth journey, and is consistent with the National Digital Economy Strategy. Building on the momentum of 2024, which was marked by the launch of several data centres, it represents a strong start to 2025 and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment By strengthening its digital infrastructure, and with its unwavering commitment to excellence, the UAE continues to lead and inspire the world by developing human potential and creating a smarter, more connected tomorrow.

Tariq Al Ashram, founder and CEO of Gulf Data Hub, He said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our growth journey as we welcome KKR, a global leader in investing in digital infrastructure, as a strategic partner in our business. Over the past 12 years, GDH has grown into one of the most successful data center platforms in the region, supporting the business needs of cutting-edge cloud and enterprise software customers. The strategic partnership with KKR will enable us to leverage their deep expertise, positioning us to achieve our regional ambitions and deliver on our mission of being a partner and supplier of choice.

Tara Davies, KKR Co-Head of EMEA and Co-Head of European Infrastructure, He added: “The Middle East is a rapidly growing region in terms of large-scale penetration. With competitively priced and readily available energy sources, an unparalleled ability to act as a gateway hub to Asia and Africa, and the government’s continued commitment to supporting the region’s growth.” The digital sector, which we believe is today one of the most attractive investment destinations for long-term capital Our investment in GDH aligns with our conviction in digital infrastructure and enables us to leverage our global connectivity to drive value and accelerate the growth of a leading company. Business into the region also reinforces KKR’s ongoing commitment to the Middle East, following our historic investment in ADNOC oil pipelines as well as our work with Etihad Airways alongside Altavair AirFinance.

Waldemar Slezak, Global Head of Digital Infrastructure And KKR, He said: Today digital assets form the backbone of our data-driven society. With the world poised to generate 1.5 times more digital data than it did just two years ago, the demand for data center capacity is increasing dramatically. The ongoing migration to cloud computing and the rise of artificial intelligence are not just trends; They are reshaping the digital infrastructure landscape. As business requirements evolve, strategic investments like the ones we have formulated with GDH will be critical to harnessing the full potential of our digital future. We look forward to working with Tariq and his team to enhance their success together.

KKR has had a presence in the Middle East for more than 15 years, with offices in Dubai and Riyadh. Previous investments in the region include the strategic partnership with ADNOC to create ADNOC Oil Pipelines, which represents the first infrastructure collaboration between a leading global institutional investor and a national oil company in the Middle East. KKR also acquired a portfolio of commercial aircraft from Etihad Airways in 2020 through its aircraft leasing investment platform Altitude Aircraft Leasing, which was established by KKR’s credit and infrastructure funds in 2018 to acquire aircraft served by Altavair.

KKR first established its global infrastructure team and strategy in 2008, and has since become one of the most active infrastructure investors around the world with US$77 billion of infrastructure assets under management as of September 30, 2024. To date, KKR has invested more From $29 billion across 22 investments in relevant digital infrastructure companies across data centers and fibre, as well as $15 billion in power, utilities and power.

KKR’s significant global data center footprint spans four platforms with several gigawatts of assets spread across more than 100 facilities and more in development globally. These platforms include US-based global data center infrastructure provider CyrusOne (NASDAQ:), Singapore-based data center operators STT GDC and Nxera, and UK-based hyperscale data center developer, owner and operator GTR. KKR’s portfolio also includes more than 10 renewable energy developers with more than 50 GW of global development pipeline.

Advances in artificial intelligence are driving unprecedented demand for data centers, but the limited availability of reliable power is hampering the strategic goals of the world’s largest technology companies, organizations, and governments looking to deploy AI. To help address this issue, KKR has formed a $50 billion strategic partnership with Energy Capital Partners (WA:), the largest private owner of power generation and renewables in the United States, is designed to deliver large-scale data centers and power solutions to hyperscalers and other market participants to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud computing globally.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm providing alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to achieve attractive investment returns by taking a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR investments may include the activities of the sponsored funds and their insurance companies. For additional information about KKR & Co. (NYSE:), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit the Global Atlantic Financial Group website at: www.globalatlantic.com.

About GDH

Gulf Data Hub (GDH) is one of the leading providers of state-of-the-art data center solutions in the Middle East, providing highly secure, scalable and sustainable infrastructure for businesses in the digital economy. Since its inception in 2012, GDH has continually innovated and sought ways to minimize the risks associated with downtime while maximizing operational efficiency. With facilities strategically located in key markets, GDH provides colocation, cloud and connectivity services to a diverse group of customers, including global enterprises, governments and large-scale cloud providers. With a commitment to innovation, operational excellence and environmental sustainability, GDH empowers its clients to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. For additional information about GDH, please visit the GDH website at www.gulfdatahub.ae

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Media

The Middle East:
Mitali Atal: mitali.atal@fgsglobal.com
Aditi Mane: aditi.mane@fgsglobal.com

united Kingdom (Trading:):
Alastair Elwen: alastair.elwen@fgsglobal.com
Jack Shelley: jack.shelley@fgsglobal.com

Source: KKR