Connect | MENA // Keynote Panel: Billion dollar builds - Scaling AI infrastructure for MENA’s next digital horizon

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how data centers are designed, powered, and operated, driving a wave of innovation across the MENA region. Governments and enterprises are rolling out ambitious AI strategies, hyperscalers are scaling capacity, and local operators are adapting to an accelerated digital future. However, delivery delays, fragile supply chains, and evolving regulations reveal the challenges of keeping pace with AI’s rapid growth and complexity. This panel unites leaders in cloud, AI, and infrastructure to examine how MENA can build AI-ready, energy-efficient, and resilient digital ecosystems. Discussions will explore how rising AI demand is reshaping capacity planning, accelerating delivery, and redefining data center architecture-from liquid cooling to edge computing. The session will also address sustainability pressures, workforce readiness, and the role of aligned public-private investment in enabling the region to compete globally in the AI era.