KKR and Gulf Data Hub Form Strategic Partnership to Grow One of Middle East’s Largest Independent Data Center Platforms Investing.com

• A strategic partnership between a leading global investment firm and a leading UAE firm with a regional footprint
• KKR and GDH commit to support more than $5 billion in total investment in building data center capacity, supporting significant growth in hyperscale demand, AI and digital-focused national priorities in the Gulf countries
• The first data center investment for KKR in the Middle East, adding to KKR’s unique global portfolio of four hyperscale platforms comprising several GW of assets spread across over 100 facilities

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

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Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, GDH is one of the largest independent operator and vendor neutral data center platforms in the Middle East with significant operational capacity and a pipeline of projects. With its own portfolio of seven purpose-built state-of-the-art data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and additional facilities planned in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, GDH is focused on delivering the infrastructure needed to meet hyperscale demand across the region to support increasing data consumption driven by growing trends in digital connectivity, cloud and artificial intelligence.

The transaction marks one of the largest international investments in a UAE-founded and managed company in a fast-growing sector that benefits from strong demand and strong competitive advantages, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in accelerating digital and AI capabilities. Upon completion, KKR and GDH have committed to support more than $5 billion in total investment to increase GDH’s market leadership position and support its international growth plans through organic and inorganic strategies.

GDH has successfully built on its first mover advantage and leveraged its scalable platform and large powerful onshore bank to generate a significant pipeline of funds. The company’s proven track record in data center construction, reliable delivery of availability, performance, security and support for hyperscale customers, and successful operation of secure data centers that are built to ensure uninterrupted operations, have cemented its position as a prominent company in a rapidly growing sector.

Commenting on the transaction, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applicationswho witnessed the signing ceremony in Dubai, noted: The UAE exemplifies visionary leadership, taking digital and AI capabilities to new heights. By turning ambitious visions into the achievements we witness today, it sets the global benchmark for innovation and progress. Through ground-breaking initiatives and strategic investments, the UAE is shaping a future where technology improves lives, fuels economic prosperity and opens up limitless opportunities.

Al Olama further added: “This milestone highlights the strength of the UAE’s digital economy, advances the growth path and aligns with the National Strategy for the Digital Economy. Building on the momentum of 2024, marked by the launch of numerous data centers, it represents a strong start to 2025 and reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its digital infrastructure with an unwavering commitment to excellence, the UAE continues to lead the way, inspiring the world by advancing human potential and creating smarter, a more connected tomorrow.

Tarek Al Ashram, Founder and CEO of Gulf Data Hub, said: Today marks a milestone in our growth journey as we welcome KKR, a global leader in digital infrastructure investment, 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 sophisticated cloud and enterprise software clients. The strategic partnership with KKR will enable us to leverage their deep expertise, positioning us to achieve our pan-regional ambitions and deliver on our mandate to be the partner and provider of choice.

Tara Davies, Co-Head of KKR EMEA and Co-Head of European Infrastructure, added: “The Middle East is a fast-growing region for hyperscale deployment. With competitive pricing and readily available energy sources, an unmatched ability to serve as a hub for Asia and Africa, and an ongoing government commitment to drive growth in the digital sector, we believe it is one of the most attractive regions today investment destinations for long-term capital Our investment in GDH is consistent with our belief in digital infrastructure and allows us to leverage our global connectivity to increase value and accelerated the growth of the leading business in the region.It also reinforces KKR’s continued commitment to the Middle East, following our significant investment in ADNOC Oil Pipelines, as well as our work with Etihad alongside Altavair AirFinance.

Waldemar Szlezak, Global Head of Digital Infrastructure in KKR, said: Today’s digital assets form the backbone of our data-driven society. With the world set to generate 1.5 times more digital data than just two years ago, the demand for data center capacity is skyrocketing. The ongoing migration to cloud computing and the rise of AI are not just trends; are reshaping the digital infrastructure landscape. As business requirements evolve, strategic investments like the ones we’ve made with GDH will be critical to harnessing the full potential of our digital future. We look forward to working with Tarek and his team to drive their success together.

KKR has been present in the Middle East for over 15 years, with offices in Dubai and Riyadh. Previous investments in the region include a strategic partnership with ADNOC to create the ADNOC pipeline, which marked the first midstream 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 aircraft leasing investment platform Altitude Aircraft Leasing, which KKR’s credit and infrastructure funds established in 2018 to purchase aircraft serviced by Altavair.

KKR first established its global infrastructure team and strategy in 2008 and has since been one of the most active infrastructure investors worldwide with $77 billion in infrastructure assets under management through September 30, 2024. To date, KKR has invested more than $29 billion dollars through 22 investments in relevant digital infrastructure companies across data centers and fiber optics, as well as $15 billion in electricity, utilities and energy.

KKR’s significant global data center footprint includes four platforms with several GW of assets deployed in over 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 data center developer, owner and operator GTR. KKR’s portfolio also includes more than 10 renewable energy developers with over 50 GW of global development pipeline.

Advances in artificial intelligence are fueling unprecedented demand for data centers, but the limited availability of reliable power is hindering the strategic goals of the world’s largest technology companies, enterprises and governments seeking to deploy artificial intelligence. To address this, KKR has entered into a $50 billion strategic partnership with Energy Capital Partners (WA:), the largest private owner of electric generation and renewable energy in the US, designed to deliver scalable data center and energy solutions for hyperscalers and other market participants to support the rapid expansion of AI and cloud computing globally.

About KKR

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

About GDH

Gulf Data Hub (GDH) is a leading provider of state-of-the-art data center solutions across the Middle East, offering a highly secure, scalable and sustainable infrastructure for businesses in the digital economy. Since its inception in 2012, GDH has consistently innovated and sought ways to reduce 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 portfolio of clients, including global enterprises, governments and hyperscale cloud providers. Committed to innovation, operational excellence and environmental sustainability, GDH empowers its clients to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. For additional information about GDH, visit the GDH website at www.gulfdatahub.ae

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The media

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

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

Source: KKR