Khazna Data Centers Expands into Türkiye, Signaling Growth for AI Infrastructure
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
In a significant strategic move, Khazna Data Centers, a leading digital infrastructure company based in the United Arab Emirates, has announced its expansion into Türkiye with plans to construct an AI-capable data center in Başkent, Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ) in Ankara. The new facility, boasting a prospective capacity of up to 100 megawatts (MW), promises to enhance Türkiye’s aspirations to establish itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence.
This development comes at a pivotal time for Türkiye, which has witnessed a remarkable surge in investments in the AI sector. According to data from Stanford University’s 2025 AI Index, the concentration of AI talent in Türkiye has soared by 198% between 2016 and 2024. This burgeoning pool of talent is a vital asset for the nation’s ambition to not only keep pace with global advancements in technology but to establish itself as a vital node within the broader AI ecosystem.
The timing of Khazna’s announcement is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the signing of over billion worth of agreements between Türkiye and the UAE in 2023. These agreements underscore a strengthening bilateral relationship, characterized by collaborative initiatives across various sectors, including technology, trade, and investment.
The Ankara facility will be designed to accommodate a diverse array of workloads, extending from artificial intelligence applications to cloud computing services. The phased construction approach allows for modular development, thereby ensuring scalability as technology demands continue to evolve. The initial phase will prioritize cloud infrastructure, providing the necessary backbone to support both current and future technological innovations.
Khazna’s Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Alnaqbi, expressed his enthusiasm about the venture, stating, “We’re proud to be supporting the efforts being made in Türkiye to create an advanced economy with AI at its heart. We believe this data center will significantly contribute to the country’s impressive economic growth.”
His sentiments were echoed by Saeed Thani Hareb Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to Türkiye, who remarked that Khazna’s expansion serves as a testament to the deepening ties between the two nations. Al Dhaheri emphasized that the establishment of the new data center reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to fortify international partnerships, thereby enhancing mutual economic benefits.
The selection of Ankara as the site for the new data center not only reflects Khazna’s confidence in Türkiye’s potential but also highlights the growing importance of the city within the regional tech landscape. Ankara, traditionally known for its political significance, is increasingly becoming a hub for technological innovation, supported by a vibrant ecosystem of universities and research institutions.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the necessity for robust data infrastructure becomes more pronounced. The launch of this data center is expected to attract further investments and foster innovation, aligning with global trends that prioritize digital transformation. The implications of this expansion are vast, as it brings with it the potential for job creation, skill development, and enhanced technological capabilities within the local economy.
Khazna is anticipated to appoint a general contractor by the second quarter of 2025, with further investments in Türkiye to follow. This approach not only illustrates a commitment to the project but also hints at plans for ongoing contributions to the region’s digital economy.
As Khazna Data Centers sets its sights on Türkiye, it is clear that this expansion is more than a mere business venture; it represents a confluence of technological aspiration and international cooperation. With AI at its core, this initiative is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure not only in Türkiye but throughout the region.
Tags: #BusinessNews, #EconomyNews, #UAE, #Turkey