Alibaba Cloud has launched a second data center in Dubai.

Announced during the GITEX Global 2025 event, the data center comes nine years after the company's first in Dubai.

The new data center is part of the company's global expansion plans, for which Alibaba has committed to spending $53bn on cloud and AI infrastructure.

The new data center will enable Alibaba to expand its offering in Dubai, including new cloud and AI capabilities, the company said.

Eric Wan, VP of Alibaba Cloud International and general manager of the Middle East, Turkey, and Middle Asia at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, said: “Launching a new data center in Dubai as well as announcing innovative collaborations at GITEX Global 2025 are important signposts on our robust journey of expansion in the region. The Middle East’s advantageous position in fast-tracking AI adoption and its collaborative ecosystem are crucial enablers for private and public sector companies to thrive.

"We look forward to enabling more local and global businesses to succeed with our robust infrastructure and advanced AI solutions in the region.”

Also during the event, Alibaba Cloud announced it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wio Bank, a Middle Eastern digital finance platform, that will see it using Alibaba's cloud and AI capabilities as part of a multi-cloud strategy. Wio Bank will specifically use the cloud company's Dubai data centers.

“This partnership reflects our continued commitment to delivering smarter, faster, and more secure solutions for our customers,” said Jayesh Patel, CEO of Wio Bank PJSC. “AI is a key pillar of our vision for the future of banking, and by scaling our capabilities with Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technologies, we are building intelligent agents that simplify operations and empower our customers to grow, thrive, and achieve more in a safe and secure way.”

Other organizations that have signed agreements to migrate to Alibaba Cloud include cloud gaming platform The Game Company and recycling management provider Accumed.

Alibaba Cloud has been adding new locations outside of its home, China, at a rapid clip. Last month, the company confirmed it would add eight new data centers this year - including in Dubai. Other locations listed were Mexico, Japan, Malaysia, and another in South Korea; the latter two have already had new locations added this year.