KKR to Invest $5 Billion in Gulf Data Hub

Dubai-based Gulf Data Hub (GDH), one of the largest independent data center platforms in the Middle East focused on serving hyper-scale demand across the Gulf countries, and KKR, a leading global investment firm, on Friday announced that funds affiliated with KKR will acquire a stake in GDH.

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. The announcement is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is being made through KKR’s Global Infrastructure strategy.

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.

Strong Start

UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Omar Sultan Al Olama, who witnessed the signing ceremony in Dubai, said that 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,” he added.

GDH Founder and CEO Tarek Al Ashram said that over the past 12 years, his company 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, he said.

Tara Davies, Co-Head of KKR EMEA and Co-Head of European Infrastructure, said that the Middle East is a fast-growing region for hyper-scale deployment.

“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,” Davies added.

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 the 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.