Middle East's First Sovereign AI Data Center Launched

Jul 6, 2026

69 min

Jul 6, 2026 13:30

Innovation City and IOPn launch the Middle East's first sovereign AI data center

## Introduction

Innovation City, in collaboration with IOPn, has launched the Middle East's first sovereign AI data center in Ras Al Khaimah. This facility, named Siada, is now fully operational and represents a significant advancement in AI infrastructure in the region.

## Key Features

The data center is equipped with NVIDIA B200 GPUs, which are highly sought after globally. This ensures that all computations and data remain within UAE jurisdiction, providing full sovereignty over data management. The center offers flexible access options for businesses, including hourly usage, long-term capacity reservations, and fully managed on-premises environments.

## Strategic Importance

This initiative addresses critical challenges faced by tech companies, such as limited computing resources, data residency issues, and regulatory hurdles. By providing immediate access to advanced GPUs, Innovation City aims to accelerate the growth of AI businesses in the region.

## Leadership Perspectives

Paul Dawalibi, CEO of Innovation City, emphasized the center's role in leading the AI industry by addressing the specific needs of tech companies. Mojtaba Asadian, CEO of IOPn, highlighted the importance of data sovereignty and the ability for businesses to control their own data infrastructure.

## Regional Impact

As regulatory scrutiny on cross-border data flows increases, having in-country sovereign compute capabilities becomes essential. This development positions Innovation City as a key player in the Middle East's AI landscape, offering a unique ecosystem for AI companies to thrive.

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