KKR partnered with Gulf Data Hub, one of the Middle East’s largest independent data centre platforms, to invest over $5bn in expanding data infrastructure across the Gulf region.
KKR’s investment, made through its Global Infrastructure strategy, includes acquiring a significant stake in GDH. However, this is subject to regulatory approvals. The deal highlights the UAE’s leadership in advancing digital and AI capabilities.
KKR brings extensive expertise in digital infrastructure, with $77bn in infrastructure assets under management and a global portfolio that includes data centres operated by CyrusOne, STT GDC, Nxera, and GTR. Tara Davies, Co-Head of KKR EMEA, emphasised the region’s potential, noting, “The Middle East is one of the most attractive destinations for long-term capital, with its competitive energy pricing and gateway position to Asia and Africa.”
The investment will enable GDH to meet the increasing demand for data centres driven by AI and cloud adoption. At the same time, it will address power constraints that hinder global deployment. KKR’s global connectivity and experience in scaling data infrastructure will support GDH’s efforts to deliver energy-efficient and high-performance solutions.
KKR’s involvement reinforces its long-term commitment to the Middle East. The firm’s regional investments include a partnership with ADNOC on oil pipelines and the acquisition of a commercial aircraft portfolio from Etihad Airways. This latest venture demonstrates KKR’s dedication to fostering innovation and advancing the digital infrastructure landscape globally.
Established in 2012 and headquartered in Dubai, GDH operates seven state-of-the-art data centres in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand into Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The company serves hyperscale customers, cloud providers, and enterprises, addressing growing demand for digital connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. This collaboration positions GDH to scale its operations and enhance its international footprint.
Source: Business Wire
Can’t stop reading? Read more
KKR to acquire UK’s Dawsongroup, driving growth and fleet decarbonisation
KKR, the global investment firm, has entered a binding agreement to acquire Dawsongroup, a leading...
Top private equity news of the week
A consortium of investors, led by Maverick Carter and advised by UBS Group AG and Evercore, is...
IMM Private Equity fully exits Woori Financial with 2.4x ROI
IMM Private Equity sold its remaining 1.38% stake in Woori Financial Group for 166.4 billion won...