UAE Data Centres: Rapid Growth Ahead with AED 9.7B Market by 2029

Hitches & Glitches (H&G), a Dubai-based company specializing in sustainable and tech-driven maintenance and cleaning solutions, has observed a notable increase in demand for specialized cleaning services within the UAE’s rapidly expanding data centre market. As part of the Farnek Group, H&G has adapted to the unique requirements of these high-tech facilities.

Growth Projections for the UAE Data Centre Sector

Global market research firm Blackridge forecasts significant growth in the UAE's data centre market, estimating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.95% over the next five years. By 2029, the sector is expected to be worth AED 9.7 billion, signalling tremendous opportunity and expansion in the region’s digital infrastructure.

Government Initiatives Driving Data Centre Expansion

The UAE government's strategic push to strengthen its digital economy has attracted major multinational tech companies, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, Microsoft, and Alibaba, to invest in expanding their operations across the nation. This growth is reflected in the increasing number of data centres, with 38 facilities now operating, primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“Data centre equipment is highly sensitive and optimal performance is critical to their success. The equipment consists of switches, routers, hubs, UPS batteries and racks which collect dust & debris like any other object. However, the cleaning process is extremely sophisticated and technical,” said Zohaib Azhar, Director of Operations at Hitches & Glitches.

“Therefore, maintaining the reliability, efficiency, and safety of these high-value assets is of paramount importance. There are international standards for controlled environments, such as the ISO 14644-1 Class 8 standard, which need to be adhered to regularly and carried out by a highly trained, certified team of data centre cleaning technicians,” he added.

Key Players in the UAE Data Centre Landscape

Prominent companies leading the way in the UAE's data centre industry include Equinix Inc., Khazna Data Centre, and Moro Hub. These industry leaders are setting new standards for facility operations and infrastructure, contributing to the sector's ongoing development and demand for specialized services like cleaning and maintenance.

ASHRAE Guidelines for Data Centre Cleanliness

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established important standards for mission-critical facilities, including data centres. These guidelines emphasize the need to maintain a clean environment to protect sensitive equipment, improve reliability, and ensure efficient operations.

Air Quality and Contaminant Control

A key focus of ASHRAE guidelines is maintaining clean air within data centres by minimizing gaseous contaminants and airborne particulates. Regular monitoring and specific limits on particulate levels help safeguard electronic equipment, with particular attention to controlling dust and debris. Adherence to cleanliness standards is crucial in ensuring the optimal functioning of delicate technology.

Recommended Cleaning Methods for Data Centres

ASHRAE outlines best practices for data centre cleaning, including the use of anti-static products and HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter vacuums to avoid dust dispersion. The guidelines also recommend cleaning frequencies based on the type of equipment and environmental conditions, ensuring that all cleaning efforts align with the specific needs of the facility.

Importance of Airflow Design in Data Centres

Proper airflow design is essential for reducing dust accumulation in data centres. ASHRAE guidelines highlight the importance of airflow management to prevent the recirculation of dust during cleaning processes. Careful attention to airflow patterns ensures that contaminants are efficiently controlled, further enhancing the cleanliness and operational efficiency of data centres.

“These guidelines help data centres maintain a clean and controlled environment, ensuring optimal performance and equipment longevity. Compliance with ASHRAE standards is often required for facilities to maintain high operational reliability and efficiency.”

“Considering the significant level of investment, data centre management must ensure compliance with international standards to mitigate the chance of a serious outage or significant downtime.”

“To achieve that consistency, it is imperative that cleaning teams are not only fully trained but hold specialist certifications. Due to our expertise, H&G is preferred by prominent data centre management companies such as SecureTech and ITQAN, amongst others,” added Azhar.

Maintaining Optimal Temperature and Humidity

While not directly linked to physical cleaning, ASHRAE standards stress the importance of regulating temperature and humidity levels within data centres. Proper climate control helps prevent static discharge and corrosion, both of which can be exacerbated by dust and dirt buildup. By maintaining these conditions, data centres can better protect sensitive equipment and extend their operational life.