Connect | MENA // Panel: AI-driven growth - How is it reshaping data center investment in MENA?

2026 tickets available soon!
  • —
  • Open Session

Speakers

Stephen Beard

Head of Data Centres & Partner, Knight Frank

Colm Shorten

Senior Director - HEAD Data Center Development, MEA, JLL

Matthew Humphreys

Manager, Kearney

Kamel Al Tawil

Managing Director, MENA, Equinix

Anisha Walia

Engagement Manager, Analysys Mason

As AI adoption accelerates, MENA’s digital infrastructure is entering a new phase, driven by government-backed policies and rising demand for AI-ready infrastructure. With AI reshaping data center design, power consumption, and site selection, the region is at a pivotal moment.

At the same time, surging AI and cloud workloads are driving new demands on scalability, connectivity, and capital allocation. As competition to build AI-ready infrastructure intensifies, where should investors focus their attention next?

Attendees will gain insights on:

  • Where is AI-driven investment heading? – How capital allocation is shifting as AI demand changes the economics of data centers.
  • Risk vs. reward in AI-ready infrastructure – Are today’s investments future-proof? What risks do investors face in backing high-density, AI-focused data centers?
  • Balancing AI & cloud expansion – How should investors evaluate the long-term profitability of AI infrastructure vs. broader cloud expansion?