UAE – 07 October 2019: EVOTEQ, the Middle East’s leading digital transformation catalyst, and Khazna, the UAE's largest data centre wholesale providers, are collaborating with a view to jointly develop Sharjah's first Tier 3 data centre. The data centre will enable faster and more efficient digital transformation of Sharjah, and its development into a smart city.
Data centres are fast becoming the foundation blocks for enabling smart cities safeguarding business continuity, key operations and data sovereignty, which form the blueprint of smart cities. EVOTEQ and Khazna intend to combine their expertise to develop an industry-standard Tier 3 data centre, encompassing high-tech security, fire and environmental control systems, and full redundancy grade power.
The collaboration is a response to the growing demand for secure, world-class data infrastructure by local and international entities. Target sectors of the new data centre include government departments, banks, universities, enterprises and technology companies.
In addition to facilitating the growth of Sharjah into a smart city, the planned data centre will also enhance business continuity and scalability opportunities for commercial and government entities. Furthermore, the data centre will support Sharjah’s goals for attracting global and leading technology companies to invest in the Emirate. This is part of the wider vision for the Emirate to bring sustainable economic returns and generating jobs for UAE nationals.
Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al-Qassimi, Director General of Sharjah Department of e-Government, added: "This is a welcome development for Sharjah, and we are delighted to work with EVOTEQ and Khazna on this project. The Department of e-Government is supporting all government entities in Sharjah in their adoption of new technology and wishes to attract companies to the emirate who can be assured of a world-class technology infrastructure to support their business. It is vital to provide modern, secure and reliable services to the public and private sector in Sharjah, and this is the latest in a series of initiatives that will transform Sharjah into a world-class digital hub, in line with the UAE’s digital strategy."
Jihad Tayara, CEO of EVOTEQ, said of the announcement: “EVOTEQ aims to play a critical role in the region's digital transformation, beginning with the UAE. Building a Tier 3 data centre in Sharjah will bring considerable digital experience and technological expertise to the table, and we are delighted to work with Khazna in developing this ground-breaking project.”
Tayara added: “The Data Centre holds immense benefits to the Sharjah public and private sector and will ensure their future development as the Emirate continues its transitions to a smarter city. We look forward to creating immense value for Sharjah through this project and building the city’s reputation as a forward-looking, futuristic city in line with the leadership’s ambitions.”
Hassan Al Naqbi, CEO of Khazna, said of the partnership: "We are delighted to partner with EVOTEQ on this ambitious project, as we share a mutual interest in driving digital transformation in the UAE. Building Sharjah’s first Tier 3 data centre will have immense economic benefits not only in Sharjah but also the wider UAE.”
The Sharjah Department of e-Government works with other government departments to promote the adoption of new technology. Examples of integrated services include the Sharjah Services Government Portal (SSGP), a cloud-based platform available to all departments, and the Zajel secure government communications system. It also supports the development of innovation and technology adoption in Sharjah through programs such as innovation week.
