Alibaba Cloud, the artificial intelligence and cloud division of Alibaba Group, has opened its second data centre in Dubai, expanding its presence in the Middle East nearly a decade after its first launch. The new facility forms part of Alibaba’s 380 billion yuan ($53 billion) global investment plan over the next three years to enhance cloud and AI infrastructure.
“The Middle East’s advantageous position in fast-tracking AI adoption and its collaborative ecosystem are crucial for private and public sector growth,” said Eric Wan, vice president of Alibaba Cloud International. The new data centre aims to meet growing regional demand for AI-powered cloud solutions.
The UAE, one of the world’s top oil exporters, has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence, partnering with major tech players like Nvidia and OpenAI to build the largest AI campus outside the U.S.. However, reports suggest the deal has faced delays amid U.S. security concerns over China’s access to advanced semiconductors via UAE partnerships.
During the GITEX Global tech exhibition in Dubai, Alibaba Cloud announced collaborations with multiple local companies, including Wio Bank, to leverage its regional infrastructure for advancing digital and AI transformation.
