- Strategic partnership between a leading global investment firm
and a leading UAE business with a regional footprint
- KKR and GDH are committing to support over $5 billion of total
investment to build-out data center capacity, supporting the
significant rise in hyperscale demand, AI and digital-focused
national priorities across the Gulf countries
- 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 deployed assets across 100+
facilities
Gulf Data Hub (“GDH” or the “Company”), one of the largest
independent data center platforms in the Middle East focused on
serving hyperscale demand across the Gulf countries, and KKR, a
leading global investment firm, today announced that funds
affiliated with KKR will acquire a stake in GDH. The investment,
which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is being made
through KKR’s Global Infrastructure strategy.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250117834785/en/
H.E. Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and
H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, presiding over the official signing of
the strategic partnership between KKR and Gulf Data Hub by Tara
Davies Co-Head of KKR EMEA and Co-Head of European Infrastructure
and Tarek Al Ashram, CEO of Gulf Data Hub (GDH) (Photo: Business
Wire)
Established in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, GDH, is one of
the largest independent carrier and vendor neutral data center
platforms in the Middle East with significant operating capacity
and pipeline of projects. With an owned portfolio of seven
purpose-built and state-of-the art data centers in the UAE and
Saudi Arabia, and additional facilities planned in Kuwait, Qatar,
Bahrain and Oman, GDH is focused on delivering the infrastructure
required to meet hyperscale demand across the region to support
increasing data consumption driven by the growing trends in digital
connectivity, cloud and artificial intelligence.
The transaction marks one of the largest international
investments into a UAE-founded and managed business in a
fast-growing sector that benefits from high demand and major
competitive advantages, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in
accelerating digital and AI capabilities. Upon completion, KKR and
GDH have committed to support over $5 billion of total investment
to grow GDHs’ market leading position and to 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 powered landbank to
create a sizeable pipeline of assets. The Company’s proven track
record of data centre buildouts, reliable delivery of availability,
performance, security and support for hyperscale customers, and
successful operation of secure data centers which have been built
to ensure continuous operation, have consolidated its position as a
standout business in a rapidly growing sector.
Commenting on the transaction, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al
Olama, UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital
Economy and Remote Work Applications, who witnessed the signing
ceremony in Dubai, remarked: “The UAE exemplifies visionary
leadership, driving digital and AI capabilities to new heights. By
transforming ambitious visions into the achievements we are
witnessing today, it sets a global benchmark for innovation and
progress. Through groundbreaking initiatives and strategic
investments, the UAE is shaping a future where technology enhances
lives, fuels economic prosperity, and unlocks boundless
opportunities.”
Al Olama further added: "This milestone underscores the
strength of the UAE’s digital economy, enhances the journey of
growth, and aligns with the National Strategy for 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 dedication to strengthening its digital infrastructure.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, the UAE continues to
lead, inspiring the world by advancing human potential and creating
a smarter, 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 investing, 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 customers. 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 of being a
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 competitively priced and
readily available sources of energy, an unmatched ability to serve
as a gateway hub for Asia and Africa, and sustained government
commitment to power the growth of the digital sector, we believe it
is today one of the most attractive investment destinations for
long-term capital. Our investment in GDH aligns with our conviction
in digital infrastructure and enables us to leverage our global
connectivity to drive value and accelerate the growth of a leading
business in the region. It also reinforces KKR’s continued
commitment to the Middle East, following our landmark investment in
ADNOC Oil Pipelines as well our work with Etihad alongside Altavair
AirFinance.”
Waldemar Szlezak, Global Head of Digital Infrastructure
at 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; they are
reshaping the landscape of digital infrastructure. As business
requirements evolve, strategic investments such as the one we have
forged with GDH will be crucial to harnessing the full potential of
our digital future. We look forward to working with Tarek and his
team to power their success together.”
KKR has had a presence in the Middle East for over 15 years,
with offices in Dubai and Riyadh. Prior investments in the region
include the strategic partnership with ADNOC to create ADNOC Oil
Pipelines, 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 was established by KKR’s credit and infrastructure
funds in 2018 to acquire 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 around the world with $77 billion in
infrastructure assets under management as of September 30, 2024. To
date, KKR has invested more than $29 billion across 22 investments
in relevant digital infrastructure companies across data centers
and fiber, as well as $15 billion in power, utilities, and
energy.
KKR’s significant global data center footprint spans four
platforms with several GW of deployed assets across over 100
facilities and more under development globally. These platforms
include US-based global data center infrastructure provider
CyrusOne, Singapore-based data center operators STT GDC and Nxera,
and UK-based hyperscale data center developer, owner, and operator
GTR. KKR’s portfolio also includes over 10 renewable energy
developers with over 50 GW of global development pipeline.
Advancements in AI are fueling an unprecedented demand for data
centers, but a limited availability of reliable power is impeding
the strategic goals of the world’s largest technology companies,
enterprises, and governments looking to deploy AI. To help address
this, KKR has formed a $50 billion strategic partnership with
Energy Capital Partners, the largest private owner of power
generation and renewables in the US, designed to deliver scaled
data center and power 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 that offers alternative
asset management as well as capital markets and insurance
solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by
following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing
world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio
companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that
invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic
partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries
offer retirement, 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. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at
www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global
Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial
Group’s 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 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 minimize the 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 a rapidly evolving digital landscape. For
additional information about GDH, please visit the GDH website at
www.gulfdatahub.ae
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250117834785/en/
Media Middle East:
Mitali Atal: mitali.atal@fgsglobal.com Aditi Mane:
aditi.mane@fgsglobal.com United
Kingdom: Alastair Elwen: alastair.elwen@fgsglobal.com
Jack Shelley: jack.shelley@fgsglobal.com
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