THE WEEKLY BRIEF
13 STORIES
WHY IT MATTERS
Abu Dhabi already has the largest IT capacity in the Middle East (374 MW, per JLL); the agenda centres on liquid cooling, 100 kW+ racks and operational readiness.
WHY IT MATTERS
Cooling has become strategic for AI: big electronics groups want to own the liquid and air cooling technology that dense GPU racks need.
WHY IT MATTERS
Built for hyperscale, cloud, AI and high-performance computing, it adds to Qatar's growing pipeline of AI-ready capacity.
WHY IT MATTERS
Oman is joining the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the race for AI capacity; a project this size would put the Sultanate on the regional map.
WHY IT MATTERS
A Gulf developer chasing gigawatt scale abroad shows how regional capital is now shaping the global data-centre market.
WHY IT MATTERS
Gigawatt-scale campuses are now normal outside the US too — and so is the community and grid scrutiny that comes with them.
WHY IT MATTERS
Large operators are signing renewable supply at the same scale as their campuses — a model Gulf operators are also following.
WHY IT MATTERS
Waste-heat reuse is moving from pilot to planning condition in Europe — a useful idea to watch for district-cooling regions too.
WHY IT MATTERS
Oxford Economics sees the build-out peaking around 2030 — useful context for anyone planning a career in construction and commissioning.
WHY IT MATTERS
The US energy agency links record demand to AI data centres — expect more on-site generation, gas turbines and grid deals.
WHY IT MATTERS
One of several US towns pausing projects above 20 MW this week — local opposition is now a real project risk.
WHY IT MATTERS
Even power-rich Nordic countries are now rationing grid connections — power, not land, is becoming the main limit on growth.
WHY IT MATTERS
S&P expects the two to hold over 80% of the region's capacity by 2030, with build costs of about USD 11–13m per megawatt.