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Al Etihad
23 minutes ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi, Dubai among top emerging data centre markets
2 July 2025 17:51 REDDY (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi and Dubai are among the top two emerging data centre markets globally, according to Cushman & Wakefield's newly released '2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison' report. The UAE's two largest cities are also the highest-ranked emerging markets in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The global study evaluated 97 data centre markets, classifying them as either established or emerging across four regions: Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific (APAC). The rankings were based on 20 criteria including power availability, fibre connectivity, development pipeline, land pricing and policy to the report, Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and Dubai sixth globally among all emerging data centre markets. Austin/San Antonio led the global emerging market rankings, followed by Iowa, Pennsylvania, Abu Dhabi, Reno, and Dubai. Other notable markets included Berlin, Helsinki, and Virginia retained its position as the top established data centre market with 5.9 GW of operational capacity, followed by other established hubs such as Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Oregon, Columbus, Beijing, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Shanghai.'There's a clear link between long-term infrastructure planning and current market performance,' said Edward Macura, Country Head at Cushman & Wakefield Core.'Abu Dhabi and Dubai have created the conditions for scale, and global operators are responding. Access to power, land, and fast-track approvals are converging with demand from AI and cloud platforms – this combination is driving investment decisions.'The UAE currently has more than 250 MW of live data centre capacity, with an additional 500 MW under active development. Among the flagship projects is 5GW UAE-US AI Campus spanning over 10 square miles in Abu Dhabi. The Stargate AI project, backed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Nvidia, was recently unveiled with a planned 1GW capacity as part of the grand plan. Khazna Data Centres remains the dominant operator in the country, accounting for more than 59% of the market share, while cloud expansions by global giants such as AWS, Alibaba, and Equinix continue across both emirates. Notably, Emirates Group is shifting operations to a solar-powered data centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in line with sustainability UAE's data centre market, valued at $1.26 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $3.33 billion by 2030. This growth is being driven by large-scale capital deployment from both domestic and international investors. ADQ and Energy Capital Partners are investing $25 billion into power infrastructure to support data centre development. In a separate initiative, MGX, Microsoft, and BlackRock are jointly backing a $30 billion AI-related investment programme.'We're seeing investment decisions being made on the strength of delivery performance, not just potential,' Macura added. 'Developers are meeting deadlines, occupiers are pre-leasing, and supporting infrastructure is being delivered in parallel. That consistency is being noticed by institutional capital.'Stargate UAE's first 1 GW of capacity is scheduled to go live by 2026, an accelerated timeline by global standards. Meanwhile, Khazna's 100 MW AI-focused facility in Ajman is also progressing towards phased delivery within 24 months. As AI workloads intensify and power availability becomes a key global constraint, the UAE is positioning itself as a scalable hub for next-generation computing. 'The level of interest we're seeing isn't temporary,' said Macura. 'The UAE has reached the point where it offers both operational reliability and future capacity – those are the markets that will outperform over time.'
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Data Hubs Eclipse Global Peers
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has claimed the top spot, with Dubai close behind, in a ranking of 97 global markets compiled by Cushman & Wakefield in its 2025 Global Data Center Market Comparison. The analysis, which evaluated 20 critical factors—from power availability and fibre connectivity to development pipelines and land pricing—places Abu Dhabi first and Dubai second among emerging data centre markets. The report highlights a surge in demand for digital infrastructure, driven primarily by hyperscalers, cloud providers and burgeoning AI workloads. Abu Dhabi stands out with exceptional scores for power delivery timelines and cost-effective land, placing it at the very top of the emerging markets category. Dubai, closely following, benefits from robust fibre connectivity and an accelerating development pipeline. ADVERTISEMENT Power availability remains the most pivotal concern across the industry. The study indicates that markets with secure, rapid power delivery attract developer attention, particularly where leading markets are experiencing delays in grid expansion. Abu Dhabi's superior performance in this metric has become a magnet for hyperscale players and colocation operators alike, while Dubai earns marks for its strategic integration of infrastructure and favourable regulatory policy. Pre-leasing rates further support the UAE's ascendancy. Both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh report pre-commitments exceeding 70% on under-construction capacity, a figure surpassing most emerging markets and rivalled only by select Western hubs. This signals strong occupier confidence, as large tenants lock in space well ahead of completion. Regional momentum is reinforced by Research and Markets, which notes that Abu Dhabi currently accounts for nearly 40% of the UAE's upcoming data centre power capacity, with an additional 60 MW projected by the end of 2025. Sector observers estimate cumulative investment in UAE-based facilities will approach US $2.5 billion by 2026. Global trends underscore the link between power constraints and shifting demand. While longstanding markets such as Northern Virginia and Chicago continue to dominate in operational capacity, power scarcity is pushing hyperscalers into newer regions. In Europe and APAC, markets with strong power fundamentals—particularly those offering renewable options—have seen elevated pre-leasing and accelerated construction. In EMEA, nine of the 97 markets reviewed boast pre-lease ratios above 50%, with Milan and Berlin achieving full commitments on live builds. However, Abu Dhabi's combination of policy support, infrastructure coordination, and land pricing renders it the leading emerging centre. Dubai's consistent performance spots it firmly in second place. Local dynamics also support the UAE's climb. Emerging Middle Eastern hubs benefit from coordinated government strategies: jurisdictions like Abu Dhabi and Dubai leverage economic zones, expedited permitting, and public-private partnerships to secure both digital and energy infrastructure. These are precisely the variables weighed in the 20-factor comparison. UAE operators are actively building modern facilities to meet new IT standards and power densities. Major entities—including government-backed developers and international names—are focused on deploying Tier III and IV facilities equipped for high-power AI use‑cases. Expectations of sovereign AI zones are further heightening the appeal of these markets among institutional and hyperscale tenants. Regional competitors, notably Riyadh, also demonstrate strong demand fundamentals. Yet Abu Dhabi and Dubai maintain a lead in deliverability: Abu Dhabi tops the emerging list overall, with superior scores in pre-leasing, fibre availability, and land affordability. Dubai's edge lies in its connectivity, depth of occupier demand, and policy predictability. The broader global picture reveals a shift from established hubs to power-rich emerging sites. Worldwide operational IT load now exceeds 40 GW across the tracked markets, yet established centres still dominate capacity. Emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East, have closed ground fast, thanks to streamlined supply chains, liberal regulatory environments, and readiness for power-intensive workloads.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Mumbai ranks 6th globally in under-construction data centre capacity, surpassing London and Dublin: Report
Mumbai has secured the 6th spot among 97 global cities in terms of under-construction data centre capacity, overtaking major hubs like London and Dublin, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. The report also highlights Pune and Bengaluru, which rank 4th and 5th respectively among Asia-Pacific's emerging data centre hubs. Apart from its global ranking, Mumbai ranks as the 7th established data center market in the Asia Pacific region. At the end of 2024 the city had 335 MW of data center capacity under construction, which, once completed, will expand its operational capacity by 62%. The report covers 97 global markets, highlights power access, land availability, and infrastructure as key factors shaping data center development. Virginia is in first position with 1,834 MW data centre capacity under construction, followed by Atlanta (1,078 MW), Columbus (546 MW), Dallas (500 MW) and Phoenix (478 MW). "At the end of 2024, the city had 335 MW of data centre capacity under construction, which, once completed, will expand its operational capacity by 62 per cent," real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) said. Austin/San Antonio ranks 7th (325MW), Reno 8th (305MW), London 9th (265MW) and Dublin (249 MW), according to C&W's latest 'Global Data Center Market Comparison' report 2025. Mumbai accounts for 42% of India's projected under construction capacity underscoring its growing prominence as a regional data center hub. The data centre growth is further supported by digital infrastructure upgrades in the city. According to the Cushman & Wakefield India Outlook Report, 2025 may witness the completion of three crucial undersea data cable projects landing in Mumbai. Ranked 4th among APAC's top emerging data center markets in Cushman & Wakefield's Global Data Center Market Comparison 2025, Pune is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for hyperscalers and enterprise-grade colocation facilities. As of Q1 2025, Pune's operational data center stock stands at 112 IT MW Global Data Center markets are seeing surging demand due to relentless growth and expansion of cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence workloads according to the latest report by Cushman & Wakefield, Global Data Center Market Comparison 2025. The data center industry experienced significant growth in 2024, Asia Pacific cities continue to demonstrate strong growth momentum, 10 of the world's 30 largest data center markets are now in the Asia Pacific region. The report highlights that Asia Pacific ended 2024 with 1.6 GW of new capacity coming online, bringing the region's total operational data center capacity to 12.2 GW. The development pipeline remains strong, with an additional 14.4 GW of capacity currently under construction or planned. 'India's data center landscape is undergoing a strategic shift. Mumbai has firmly positioned itself among the top global markets, while Pune is emerging as a key data center hub in the APAC region. India's data center sector has attracted prominent international operators and investors, even as domestic players continue to expand capacity,' said Gautam Saraf, executive managing director, Mumbai and New Business, India, Cushman & Wakefield.
Mint
03-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Mumbai at 6th place among 97 cities globally in under-construction data centre capacity: report
New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) Mumbai ranks 6th among 97 cities globally in data centre capacities under construction, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Virginia is in first position with 1,834 MW data centre capacity under construction, followed by Atlanta (1,078 MW), Columbus (546 MW), Dallas (500 MW) and Phoenix (478 MW). Mumbai ranks 6th globally in under-construction data centre capacity. "At the end of 2024, the city had 335 MW of data centre capacity under construction, which, once completed, will expand its operational capacity by 62 per cent," real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) said. Austin/San Antonio ranks 7th (325MW), Reno 8th (305MW), London 9th (265MW) and Dublin (249 MW), according to C&W's latest 'Global Data Center Market Comparison' report 2025. The report, covering 97 global markets, attributes this growth to surging demand fuelled by the expansion of cloud computing and AI workloads. Key factors shaping data centre development include power availability, land access, and supporting infrastructure. "Mumbai leads the APAC region with 335 MW of data centre capacity under construction and ranks among the top 10 global markets by this metric. Once completed, this will expand the city's operational market size by 62 per cent," Gautam Saraf, Executive Managing Director - Mumbai & New Business, India at Cushman & Wakefield, said. He noted that several factors are driving this momentum - a strong digital backbone, a reliable power supply, and sustained demand from hyperscalers. "As India's financial capital and economic hub, Mumbai already accounts for over half of the country's data centre capacity and continues to attract major global operators," Saraf said. Key enablers include 12 cable landing stations, the recent MIST cable landing, and a robust pipeline of upcoming infrastructure, he said. "While challenges around land availability and power persist in certain locations, the city's long-term fundamentals remain highly compelling for sustained growth," Saraf said.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Surging Demand for Data Infrastructure Fuels Real Estate Transformation Across Global Data Center Markets According to Cushman & Wakefield
Land Pricing and Competition Intensify: While the Americas enjoy lower land costs overall, increased competition in top-tier markets has driven pricing upward. Midwestern U.S. markets like Indianapolis and Iowa remain among the most affordable, attracting spillover demand from more expensive neighbors. Investment Surges Across Real Estate Spectrum: The sector continues to attract significant institutional investment, with a sharp rise in joint ventures, mergers, and acquisition activity across colocation, hyperscale, and infrastructure outfits. Recently capitalized firms are increasingly targeting both established and emerging markets, fueling rapid pipeline growth and positioning data centers as one of the fastest-growing real estate asset classes globally. Powered Land Becomes Gold Standard: Land with pre-secured utility commitments is in high demand, with developers and even non-traditional buyers like electric vehicle and chip manufacturers competing for sites. These parcels offer a guaranteed path to power amid rising power constraints and long utility lead times. Record Pipeline Growth: The Americas lead in planned data center capacity, with Virginia boasting a staggering 15.4GW in its development pipeline. Land values remain a top consideration in mature markets, driving greater attention to more cost-effective emerging locations like Johor and Pennsylvania. Land Demand and Suburban Shift: Larger site acquisitions for phased campus developments are becoming the norm, pushing data center projects away from urban cores and into suburban and rural areas. Virginia, Phoenix, and Sydney rank among the top markets for land availability, as developers prioritize locations that support scalability and power integration. "We expect total capacity to continue its incredible growth trajectory across all global regions, with each expected to at least double based on the current development pipelines," said John McWilliams, Head of Data Center Insights. "The industry experienced rapid expansion throughout the past year, a trend we expect to continue into 2025 and 2026. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which gained prominence in 2022, are key drivers of this demand now and into the future." CHICAGO, May 07, 2025 --( BUSINESS WIRE )--Global Data Center markets are seeing surging demand due to relentless growth and expansion of cloud computing and AI workloads according to the latest report by Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK). The report, which analyzes 97 global markets, highlights how power access, land acquisition, and infrastructure have emerged as critical variables shaping where and how data center facilities are being built. Story Continues While power availability and capacity in the data center construction pipeline are key factors in identifying the top data center markets worldwide, the 2025 edition of Cushman & Wakefield's Global Data Center Market Comparison analyzes 20 critical variables tailored to hyperscale and colocation operators, occupiers, and developers across 97 global data center markets. Established Markets Rankings: AMERICAS APAC EMEA 1. Virginia Beijing London 2. Phoenix Shanghai Frankfurt 3. Dallas Sydney Amsterdam 4. Atlanta Johor Paris 5. Oregon Melbourne Madrid 6. Columbus Guangzhou Milan 7. Salt Lake City Mumbai Stockholm 8. Chicago Osaka Dublin 9. Carolinas Seoul Brussels 10. Sao Paulo Singapore Johannesburg Emerging Markets Rankings: AMERICAS APAC EMEA 1. Austin/San Antonio Auckland Abu Dhabi 2. Iowa Brisbane Dubai 3. Pennsylvania Busan Berlin 4. Reno Pune Helsinki 5. Minneapolis Bengaluru Zurich 6. Kansas City Perth Munich 7. Nashville Canberra Oslo 8. Indianapolis Taipei Warsaw 9. Central Washington Batam Reykjavik 10. Santiago Hanoi Tel Aviv The 2025 report emphasizes that while mature markets like Virginia, Beijing, and London continue to dominate, rising land costs and regulatory restrictions are opening doors for emerging regions poised to redefine the global data center map. "The next frontier isn't just about connectivity, it's about access to scalable land, power infrastructure, and favorable economics," said McWilliams. "Emerging markets are gaining traction, but established hubs continue to lead the way, backed by larger development pipelines, mature infrastructure, and steady demand that keeps them at the center of global data center activity." For more information or to download the full report, visit: About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2024, the firm reported revenue of $9.4 billion across its core service lines of Services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Savannah Durban
