Technology

AESG expands data centre division across GCC markets

AESG has announced the expansion of its Mission Critical division, strengthening its capabilities to deliver fully integrated, multidisciplinary design services for data centres across the region.

The move builds on the company’s track record of delivering 27 data centre projects globally and positions it to support clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, from early advisory stages to commissioning. The expansion comes amid rapid growth in the GCC data centre sector, which is projected to rise from around US$3.5bn in 2024 to US$9.4bn by 2030.

AESG’s strategy centres on addressing persistent challenges in mission critical infrastructure delivery, particularly cost overruns and schedule delays that affect a significant proportion of projects. By integrating disciplines such as MEP, structural engineering, cost management, sustainability and commissioning within a single team, the firm aims to improve coordination and ensure buildability from the outset.

This approach enables earlier identification of design conflicts, tighter budget control and continuous validation throughout development, reducing risks typically encountered in later project stages. The company believes this integrated model is essential as data centre projects become more complex, particularly with the rise of AI-driven workloads.

Power availability remains a key constraint across the region, with grid connection timelines in some markets extending up to three years. AESG is addressing this challenge by incorporating grid feasibility assessments at the concept stage, alongside the design of substations and exploration of hybrid energy solutions such as solar combined with battery storage. Established relationships with authorities in markets including United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are also helping to provide early insight into infrastructure capacity.

Sustainability continues to play a central role in the firm’s approach. With data centres accounting for increasing levels of energy and water consumption, AESG is applying its net zero expertise to improve efficiency. Advanced modelling techniques, including computational fluid dynamics, are being used to optimise cooling systems and reduce power usage effectiveness, an increasingly important metric for hyperscale operators.

The expanded division will be led by newly appointed Commercial Director Steve Liong and Head of Mission Critical Ferruh Ertekin, who together bring more than three decades of experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Liong has extensive regional experience across the MENA market, having worked on projects ranging from concept design through to final delivery of facilities with capacities between 30MW and 50MW. Ertekin, a chartered engineer, has led the development of large-scale data centre campuses and power infrastructure projects, including hyperscale and colocation facilities.

Looking ahead, AESG plans to scale its mission critical capabilities across its offices in the Middle East, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The company is also investing in advanced solutions such as on-site power generation to support projects in grid-constrained environments.

With demand for cloud services, AI infrastructure and digital transformation accelerating, AESG’s expanded offering is aimed at delivering resilient, future-ready data centre solutions tailored to evolving market needs.

Middle East data centres face uncertainties amid rising tensions

Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East have brought data centres under scrutiny, as a number of facilities were targeted in strikes over the past few days.

Analysts at DC Byte have assessed how the sector may be affected in the coming weeks and months, emphasising that immediate impacts are expected to remain limited.

The region remains a strategically important digital infrastructure market. Gulf states including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar continue to attract significant investment from cloud providers and hyperscalers, driven by demand for low latency, local data storage and digital transformation initiatives.

Most large-scale data centres in the Middle East are built with resilience in mind. Hyperscale facilities are designed with redundant power, cooling and network systems, controlled perimeters and environmental protections.

Workloads are often distributed across multiple availability zones and regions, allowing operations to continue even if one facility experiences disruption. Analysts note that such resilience has minimised service interruptions in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, the conflict has highlighted the need for ongoing risk assessment. Operators may increasingly consider proximity to potential strategic targets, military infrastructure and airspace coverage when planning new sites.

Emphasis on distributed infrastructure design, cross-country failover and hybrid cloud architectures is expected to grow, though major shifts in resilience strategy are unlikely.

Connectivity remains a key consideration. Network routing constraints can temporarily increase latency during high-traffic periods, prompting stakeholders to prioritise diversified cable routes and network redundancy alongside facility robustness.

Cybersecurity is another focus area, with modern conflicts often incorporating cyberattacks. Operators may now accelerate integration between cyber defence, physical security and operational monitoring to minimise potential disruption.

Supply chains are facing short-to-medium term challenges, with shipping delays and higher costs, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. Scott Roots, Sales Director EMEA at DC Byte, warns that resource scarcity and alternative routing may affect project timelines and costs.

Despite these pressures, the GCC data centre market remains confident. The region currently has around 2.4GW of qualified capacity, with over 2GW in early stages, and investors have not paused development.

DC Byte CEO Bernard Johnson concludes that the sector’s exposure is largely to operational and planning risks, rather than a fundamental vulnerability, with affected sites representing only 1–2% of the regional market.

Siemens, Rittal partner on AI data centre power

New applications are made possible by the coordinated components from Siemens and the power distribution platforms from Rittal. (Image source: Rittal)

Siemens and Rittal have announced a strategic partnership to develop advanced power distribution solutions for data centres, targeting the growing demands of AI infrastructure.

The collaboration focuses on delivering standardised, scalable systems for the IEC market that can support faster deployment of high-performance data centres while improving efficiency and sustainability. The move comes as AI-driven workloads continue to push power density requirements to new levels, with current racks exceeding 100 kW and projections suggesting this could rise beyond 1 MW by the end of the decade.

To address these challenges, Siemens’ Smart Infrastructure division will work with Rittal, part of the Friedhelm Loh Group, to design integrated solutions that combine power distribution, cooling and heat management.

A key development under the partnership is a new “sidecar” power concept, which places dedicated power racks directly within the data centre’s operational space. This approach allows server racks to be supplied with power more efficiently through a modular and standardised setup. The solution is designed to simplify deployment, improve system reliability and support the rapid scaling of AI computing environments.

Better energy optimisation

The companies said the system aligns with Open Compute Project standards and integrates proven technologies to enable high availability and optimised energy performance. This is expected to be critical as operators seek to maximise computing output while managing energy consumption.

Executives from both companies highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the infrastructure challenges posed by AI. They noted that the increasing complexity of data centres requires more integrated and flexible solutions to ensure reliable and continuous operations.

Beyond the initial solution, Siemens and Rittal are also working on standardised low-voltage distribution systems for modular and containerised data centres. Additional efforts include enhancing operational and personnel safety through improved system design and monitoring capabilities.

Early customer projects using the jointly developed technologies are already underway, signalling strong market demand for next-generation data centre infrastructure.

The partnership will draw on Siemens’ expertise in electrical systems and Rittal’s capabilities in enclosure and platform technologies, including its RiLineX and Ri4Power systems. By combining their respective strengths, the companies aim to accelerate innovation in digital infrastructure and support the expansion of AI-driven services.

Looking ahead, both firms indicated that the collaboration could extend beyond data centres into other industrial applications, as demand for efficient, high-capacity power systems continues to grow.

Polynome AI Academy launches global instructors for CAIO

Polynome AI Academy, in partnership with Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM), has unveiled the expanded global instructor lineup for the second cohort of its Executive Program for Chief AI Officers (CAIO), running from 10-21 April 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

The programme brings together leading AI experts from NVIDIA, Mubadala, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), G42, AI71, and top research institutions to equip senior executives with the frameworks and tools needed to lead AI initiatives at organisational and national scale.

It was created in response to growing demand from governments and large enterprises for structured AI leadership. It aims to provide CAIOs and senior executives with governance frameworks, operating models, and decision-making structures that can support AI strategy and deployment across complex environments.

“The first cohort confirmed what we’ve long believed: the CAIO role requires a dedicated programme built for the realities of leading AI at scale,” said Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group. “Executives came to Abu Dhabi and left with actionable strategies they are already putting into practice. By 2027, AI is expected to guide half of all business decisions. Cohort 2 builds on this momentum with a refined curriculum and fresh global perspectives.”

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of Abu Dhabi School of Management, added, “The first cohort demonstrated the demand we anticipated; top executives across the region recognise that AI strategy cannot simply be delegated. The programme equips leaders with the skills to navigate AI adoption and translate technological potential into real business impact.”

The inaugural programme in November 2025 attracted 35 C-suite executives and senior technology leaders. Participants completed ten modules covering AI strategy, sovereign AI infrastructure, governance frameworks, agentic systems, Arabic NLP, AI investment strategy, and enterprise deployment methodology. The programmeme also included site visits to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Core42’s Khazna data centres, ADNOC, and executive roundtables with policymakers.

“The Executive Chief AI programme is unlike any course I’ve attended,” said Dr. Noura AlDhaheri, Chairman of DNA Investments. “It brings us directly to the AI creators, experts, and leaders, offering insight into real challenges and the evolving AI landscape. AI is set to transform business, and staying ahead is essential.”

Confirmed instructors for Cohort 2 include Dr. George Tilesch, Dr. Andrew Jackson, Prof. Merouane Debbah, Prof. Nizar Habash, Dr. John Ashley, Charbel Aoun, Jean-Christophe Bernardini, Faris Al Mazrui, Chiara Marcati, and Jorge Colotto, with more to be announced.

The 10-day programme combines executive seminars, case labs, operating model workshops, site visits to AI institutions, and policymaker roundtables, offering lifetime access to the CAIO alumni network. It targets CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs, public sector advisors, and senior digital transformation leaders, preparing them to lead AI strategy, governance, and enterprise deployment effectively.

Schneider Electric unveils software-defined Foxboro DCS

Schneider Electric has announced the launch of EcoStruxure™ Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), describing it as the industry’s first open, software-defined distributed control system (DCS).

The new platform combines the established reliability of Foxboro systems with the flexibility of software-defined automation, aimed at helping hybrid and process industry customers modernise operations more quickly and with lower risk.

For decades, Foxboro DCS has functioned as the core control system for complex industrial operations, enabling real-time coordination of processes. However, Schneider Electric said evolving industrial requirements now demand greater agility, simplified compliance and fewer costly system upgrades. EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA has been developed to address these needs by delivering enhanced scalability, flexibility and cost efficiency while maintaining high levels of reliability.

The importance of open industrial systems was underscored in Schneider Electric’s recent global research report with Omdia, which found that closed systems cost mid-sized industrial companies an estimated 7.5% of annual revenue due to downtime, inefficiencies and compliance-related retrofits.

Hany Fouda, Senior Vice President, Process Automation at Schneider Electric, said the launch represents a pivotal moment for the sector. “EcoStruxure™ Foxboro SDA marks a defining moment for industrial automation. By embracing openness and software-defined architecture, we’re giving our customers the agility to modernise without compromise, protecting their investments while unlocking future-ready capabilities. This evolution is a strategic enabler for digital transformation.”

Developed in response to customer challenges such as ageing systems and rising costs, Foxboro SDA decouples hardware from software, enabling organisations to retain existing infrastructure while adopting a smoother, lower-risk modernisation pathway. Schneider Electric said this approach simplifies workflows, accelerates access to operational insights and supports long-term performance improvements.

Powered by EcoStruxure Automation Expert, the system is designed to enable interoperability, rapid deployment and fit-for-purpose configurations while maintaining high availability. By separating control logic from hardware, it supports vendor independence and scalable architectures. Built in line with IEC 62443-3-3 cybersecurity standards, the platform is designed to support IT and OT convergence, artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, and the transition towards more autonomous Industry 4.0 operations.

The system also enables digital continuity across the plant lifecycle, from design and engineering through to production and maintenance. By keeping data consistent and connected, Foxboro SDA supports automated workflows, improved product quality and integration with advanced analytics tools to enable real-time business decision-making.

Craig Resnick, Vice President at ARC Advisory Group, said the launch represents a significant shift in process automation. “By decoupling control logic from hardware, Schneider Electric is providing manufacturers with the agility to scale, adapt and simplify their operations. This software-defined approach helps reduce maintenance costs, protect legacy automation investments and ensure digital continuity throughout the entire plant lifecycle,” he said.

“With cybersecurity built into its core and a commitment to open, interoperable standards, Foxboro SDA enables manufacturers to modernise at their own pace, accelerate IT and OT convergence and expand adoption of next-generation technologies such as AI, edge computing and autonomous operations.”

Schneider Electric said the platform provides customers with a future-ready upgrade path, embedded cybersecurity and simplified operations, positioning Foxboro SDA not just as a control system, but as a strategic foundation for long-term digital transformation.

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