The expansion will double Al Khazna’s data centre capacity.
UK firm to build data centres
01 November 2017
Laing O’Rourke, a leading UK-based contractor, has been appointed by Khazna Data Centers to design, build and fit-out data centre pods 4, 5 and 6 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that will double the UAE-based firm’s data centre capacity.
The expansion will cover an area of around 31,000 sq m across the existing facilities in the two emirates, out of which 7,500 sq m is IT whitespace, says the company.
The scope of the projects includes full design responsibility, construction of a two-storey building for each pod, and all specialist mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, it states.
Laing O’Rourke says the design work will start with immediate effect while the on-site works are due to begin early next year.
The projects are scheduled for handover in summer 2019 in Dubai and autumn 2019 in Abu Dhabi. It will be led by project director Vijay Gangakhedkar.
Mark Andrews, the managing director for Laing O’Rourke’s Middle East business, says: “We are delighted to extend our long-term client relationship with Khazna on these prestigious data centre projects.”
“Integrating our group’s design, construction and fit-out talents in one team provides clients with a clear advantage in terms of surety of delivery.”
Khazna Data Centers CEO Hassan Al Naqbi says: “The expansion of our footprint on what is already the UAE’s largest dedicated wholesale data centre demonstrates the growing demand for carrier neutral data centre.”
“Organisations are looking for not only highly secure environments but also reliable providers so that they can focus on their core business operations,” Al Naqbi adds.
“We will be working closely with Laing O’Rourke to double Khazna’s data centre capacity, and look forward to launching our new facilities as this portfolio growth is an indicator that our clients are looking towards long-term growth strategies in the region,” he adds.
