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    Dates

    17–18 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Abu Dhabi, UAE

    Venue

    Dusit Thani Hotel

    Time

    5:10 PM – 5:20 PM

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    Matched booths for Data Center World Middle East

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at Data Center World Middle East include Polala and Sudlows.

    • Polala
    • Sudlows

    Event overview

    Overview

    Data Center World Middle East 2026 is a two-day conference and expo on 17-18 November 2026 at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.

    Organised by Informa, it brings together data center operators, hyperscalers, vendors, utilities, investors, EPC contractors and policymakers working on AI-ready infrastructure across the Gulf and MENA region.

    The published technical programme covers AI and high-density compute; design and capacity delivery; operations and retrofit; hyperscale, colocation and cloud architecture; power, cooling and resource efficiency; and critical-infrastructure security.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Gulf Infrastructure Hub: Two-day Informa conference and expo on 17-18 November 2026 at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, focused on AI-ready data-centre capacity across the MENA region.
    2. 2AI & High-Density Focus: Programme spans liquid cooling, GPU clusters, hyperscale operations, sovereign cloud, power distribution and critical-infrastructure security.
    3. 3Regional Decision-Maker Density: Connects data-centre operators, hyperscalers, Gulf investors, EPC contractors, utilities and policymakers in one venue.
    4. 4Technical Track Depth: Sessions cover design and capacity delivery, operations and retrofit, colocation architecture, PUE optimisation and resilience compliance.
    5. 5Market Timing: Positioned on the rapidly expanding Middle East data-centre market as AI workloads drive new build and retrofit demand.

    Why visit

    Two-day Informa conference and expo on 17-18 November 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Venue: Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Focus areas include AI infrastructure, liquid cooling, sustainable energy, hyperscale operations and sovereign cloud. Audience spans data center operators, hyperscalers and Gulf investors. Positioned on the rapidly expanding Middle East data center market. Data Center World Middle East 2026 is a two-day conference and expo taking place on 17-18 November 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, organised by Informa. The two-day conference and expo connects data center operators, hyperscalers and Gulf investors around AI infrastructure, liquid cooling, sustainable energy, hyperscale operations and sovereign cloud. For the regional trade calendar, the show matters because it concentrates buyers and suppliers active in Middle East (UAE / Gulf). The programme is organised by Informa, giving the event a direct link to its professional community. Plan travel to Abu Dhabi, UAE for the published edition dates and confirm badge rules on the organiser site. Use https://datacenterworldmiddleeast.com/ for the latest programme, registration steps and any trade-visitor eligibility requirements before booking.

    Why exhibit

    Data center infrastructure providers. IT infrastructure and cloud vendors. Cooling, power and security suppliers. Exhibiting puts your company in front of trade buyers sourcing Data Center, IT Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, AI, Cooling, Power during Data Center World Middle East. Apply for stand space, sponsorship or exhibitor packages through the official organiser channels published at https://datacenterworldmiddleeast.com/. Use the Abu Dhabi edition to launch products, hold buyer meetings and strengthen distributor relationships in the host market. Data Center World Middle East 2026 is a two-day conference and expo taking place on 17-18 November 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, organised by Informa.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Data Centre Operations Directors & Facility Managers
    Hyperscale & Cloud Infrastructure Executives
    Gulf & MENA Investment & Development Principals
    Critical Power, Cooling & Thermal Engineering Specialists
    AI Infrastructure & High-Density Compute Architects
    EPC Contractors & Design-Build Programme Managers
    Colocation & Managed Services Provider Executives
    Government & Regulatory Policy Stakeholders

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Data Centre Design, Construction & Commissioning Providers
    IT Infrastructure, Cloud & Interconnection Vendors
    Liquid Cooling, HVAC & Thermal Management Suppliers
    Power Distribution, UPS & Energy Management Integrators
    Physical Security & Critical Infrastructure Monitoring Platforms
    DCIM, Automation & Operations Software Developers
    Network, Interconnection & Edge Infrastructure Providers
    Sustainability, PUE & Green Data Centre Solution Vendors

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    AI-Ready Compute, GPU & High-Density Rack Infrastructure
    Hyperscale, Colocation & Enterprise Data Centre Platforms
    Cloud Computing, Interconnection & Edge Services
    Liquid Cooling, HVAC & Thermal Management Systems
    Critical Power, UPS, Generators & Energy Management
    DCIM, Automation & Data Centre Operations Software
    Physical Security, Access Control & Facility Monitoring
    Design, Engineering & EPC Delivery for Data Centres
    Operations, Retrofit & Capacity Expansion Solutions
    Sustainable Energy & PUE Optimisation Technologies

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Dusit Thani Hotel

    Abu Dhabi, UAE

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Tuesday 17 November 2026networking breakfast 08:00, government keynote from 09:05, conference sessions through 17:20, exhibition close 5:10 PM – 5:20 PM GST (UTC+4)
    Wednesday 18 November 2026networking breakfast 08:00, conference sessions through 15:55, exhibition close 5:00 PM – 5:10 PM GST
    Sourceofficial agenda pages

    • Delegate pass

      Paid delegate registration; fees on booking form. Homepage promotes $200 early-bird discount before 2 October 2026. Contact MEenquiries@informa.com or +971 55 176 0524.

    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    Delegate registration is handled through Informa's booking process; contact MEenquiries@informa.com or +971 55 176 0524 for registration and badge enquiries. Registrations are confirmed in writing per Informa terms. VIP programme applicants should contact Vanessa.Brennan1@informa.com (+971 505521941).

    Ticket notes

    Paid delegate registration applies; fees are specified on your booking form and payment must be received in full no later than 48 hours before the event (Informa terms and conditions). The homepage promotes a $200 early-bird discount before the 2 October 2026 deadline; standard delegate rates are not published on the website; contact delegate enquiries for current pricing. A separate VIP programme offers complimentary conference passes to qualifying end-user directors (application and review required). Minimum age/admission: Industry professionals only; no public consumer admission published.

    Registration deadline

    Early-bird discount referenced before 2 October 2026 on the organiser homepage; full payment due no later than 48 hours before the event per Informa terms and conditions.

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Informa

    Organiser

    EmailCallWebsite

    What's on

    Programme

    1

    Fireside Chat

    3

    Panel Discussion

    2

    Event days

    09:00–12:20

    Typical time

    Official agenda
    This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

    Speakers

    LA

    Latifa Alshehhi

    Confirmed

    Chief AI Officer @ UAE Ministry of Investment

    MP

    Mehdi Paryavi

    Confirmed

    Chairman & CEO @ International Data Center Authority (IDCA)

    Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026

    09:25 – 10:10

    Panel: AI, Power & Sovereign Demand: Realities & Risks for The Gulf's 3GW Target

    Panel Discussion
    Conference Agenda
    10:35 – 11:00

    Middle East Data Centre Market Outlook 2030

    Presentation
    Conference Agenda
    11:00 – 11:20

    Cooling the Data Center Evolution: From Air to Liquid, From Cloud to AI

    Presentation
    Conference Agenda

    Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026

    09:00 – 09:45

    Panel: Grid, Load & Liquid Cooling: Engineering The Gulf's High-Density Data Centres

    Panel Discussion
    Conference Agenda
    09:45 – 10:15

    Fireside Chat: Strategic Resilience in The Gulf: Cyber & Physical Digital Security

    Fireside Chat
    Conference Agenda
    11:35 – 12:20

    Panel: Sustainable MW Growth - Engineering the Net-Zero Data Center of 2026

    Panel Discussion
    Conference Agenda

    Topic tracks

    Data CenterIT InfrastructureCloud ComputingAICoolingPowerSecurity

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026

    Inaugural Abu Dhabi edition; why-exhibit marketing cites 800+ data centre leaders — not audited attendance.

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    600

    Growth over time

    New this edition

    • 1

      Inaugural Abu Dhabi edition

      Informa relaunches Data Center World Middle East in Abu Dhabi at Dusit Thani Hotel (17-18 November 2026), expanding the AFCOM-affiliated global series into the Gulf with AI-ready infrastructure programming.

      Source

    Photos

    Data Center World Middle East
    Data Center World Middle East

    Testimonials

    We will be exhibiting again in 2026 because the who's who is here. The sessions are very informative, and the ability to connect with industry stakeholders is also important.

    Natalie Silva · 2025 Exhibitor · 2025

    Huge growth area and an opportunity to meet players from all sides of the industry. Exhibiting is an excellent way to create partnerships that offer the data centre and its customers a comprehensive array of products and services.

    · 2025 Exhibitor · 2025

    Next edition outlook

    2026-11-17 – 2026-11-18
    unknown

    Informa has officially announced the inaugural Abu Dhabi edition for 17-18 November 2026 at Dusit Thani Hotel, expanding the Data Center World AFCOM global series into the Middle East. Official sources confirm dates, venue and a technical programme focused on AI infrastructure, power, cooling, security and operations for Gulf data-centre builders, operators and investors. The last completed Middle East edition was Dubai 2018 (~600 attendees per Informa sponsorship materials); the 2026 Abu Dhabi relaunch targets 800+ data centre leaders in pre-event marketing. Confidence remains unknown because no 2027 or later dates are published, delegate list prices are not shown on the website, and the full two-day agenda is still being finalised.

    Inaugural Middle East launch in the Informa/AFCOM global Data Center World portfolio Programme centred on AI-ready infrastructure, liquid cooling, power and sovereign cloud for Gulf markets Day 2 agenda and verified attendee/exhibitor counts pending organiser updates after the first edition

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Data Center World Middle East traces to a 2018 Dubai edition at DIECC (12-14 November 2018), where Informa sponsorship materials recorded approximately 600 attendees. After a hiatus in the UAE market, Informa relaunched the series with an inaugural Abu Dhabi edition scheduled for 17-18 November 2026 at Dusit Thani Hotel. Pre-event exhibitor marketing targets 800+ data centre leaders across operator, hyperscale, investor and supplier roles, focused on AI-ready infrastructure, liquid cooling, sovereign cloud and Gulf capacity expansion. No audited post-show metrics exist yet for the 2026 edition.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Official positioning describes a senior infrastructure audience; data centre operators, hyperscalers, cloud providers, Gulf investors, EPC contractors and critical-infrastructure vendors; with exhibitor marketing citing 800+ data centre leaders across IT, operations, facilities and infrastructure roles. The 2018 Dubai edition benchmarked at approximately 600 attendees; the 2026 Abu Dhabi relaunch aims to exceed that concentration in a two-day conference-and-expo format.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors and sponsors gain access to 800+ data centre leaders (organiser marketing figure) across IT, operations, facilities and infrastructure roles planning Gulf capacity expansion. Official package benefits include speaking opportunities, hosted meetings with decision-makers, lead intelligence and targeted branding in a market projected to reach $19.89 billion by 2030. AFCOM affiliation adds credibility with a 40+ year data-centre community. Returning exhibitors cite partnership creation, thought-leadership sessions and direct access to industry stakeholders as primary ROI drivers.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Middle East (UAE / Gulf)

    Why it matters

    For buyers and exhibitors, the 2026 Abu Dhabi edition packs AI infrastructure, liquid cooling, power and sovereign cloud discussions into two days, letting teams evaluate suppliers and partners where the region's capacity is being planned. With Informa organising and the Gulf investor base in the room, attending this edition beats waiting for a later cycle because the market's near-term decisions are being shaped now.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    AI infrastructure and high-density compute

    The 2026 programme centres on AI-ready infrastructure, GPU-dedicated campuses and high-density rack design; the Gulf's fastest-growing data-centre investment theme.

    Source
    02

    Liquid cooling in extreme desert climates

    Sessions address direct-to-chip, CDU placement and heat rejection in Gulf ambient conditions; liquid cooling is a core differentiator for regional AI data centres.

    Source
    03

    Sovereign cloud and Gulf hyperscale investment

    Government keynotes and investor panels address sovereign compute, hyperscale megaprojects and $30B of planned Gulf investment by 2030.

    Source
    04

    Power availability and behind-the-meter architecture

    Power constraints dominate Gulf data-centre delivery; programme tracks cover microgrids, battery storage, renewable integration and behind-the-meter energisation.

    Source

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · AED

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    AUH

    Zayed International Airport

    Primary airport for Abu Dhabi. Official airport taxis are metered and available 24/7; A-series city buses operate around the clock from stops outside Arrivals.

    to venue

    by car

    DXB

    Dubai International Airport

    Alternative international gateway requiring an inter-emirate transfer. Zayed International Airport's official Airport Express connects AUH with Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai; travellers arriving at DXB should plan their own onward connection.

    to venue

    by car

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Airport taxi

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forZayed International Airport (AUH) to Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

    Official airport taxis operate 24/7 and use meters. The Abu Dhabi tourism authority says airport-to-city journeys typically cost AED 70-80, depending on destination and traffic.

    Hotel transfer

    Estimated costFrom AED 250 one way for the hotel's listed sedan service
    Best forAUH to Dusit Thani Hotel

    Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi requires at least 48 hours' notice; rates and availability should be reconfirmed directly with the hotel.

    Ride-hail

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forWithin Abu Dhabi to the Dusit Thani Hotel

    Careem and Uber have designated pickup zones at AUH; follow in-app directions. Within Abu Dhabi, metered taxis can also be booked through the Abu Dhabi Taxi app.

    Public bus

    Estimated costTypically AED 4 one way
    Best forZayed International Airport to Abu Dhabi city

    A-series airport buses operate 24/7. A Hafilat card is required and can be bought from machines near the airport bus stops; cash is not accepted onboard.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    Official visa page

    Weather

    Mid-November in Abu Dhabi is warm and mostly dry; climate averages show highs around 30°C (86°F), lows around 21-22°C (70-72°F) and mean temperatures near 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is minimal (typically 1-4 mm for the month with about one rainy day). Humidity averages roughly 53-56%. Pack lightweight business attire for indoor sessions, a light layer for air-conditioned venues and evening outdoor transfers, sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime airport or hotel walks.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Zayed International Airport (AUH) offers e& (Etisalat) and du tourist SIM and eSIM activation with passport verification; e& has promoted a complimentary short-validity starter data offer for arriving passengers; du publishes 7-, 14- and 28-day tourist bundles. Both operators provide strong 4G/5G coverage across Abu Dhabi. International roaming works but local prepaid or eSIM is usually cheaper for maps, Careem/Uber and OTP verification. Wi-Fi is widely available at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi and business hotels.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    UAE Dirham (AED) and payments

    The UAE Dirham (AED) is the local currency. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and taxis; ATMs are available at the airport and across Abu Dhabi. Confirm overseas card fees with your bank before travel.

    Modest business dress and etiquette

    Business attire is expected at Gulf infrastructure conferences; suits or smart business dress are appropriate. Respect local customs in public spaces: modest dress when outside hotel and venue precincts, and avoid public displays that may be culturally sensitive.

    Gulf business networking culture

    Data Center World Middle East attracts Gulf operators, hyperscalers and regional investors. Meetings often blend formal conference sessions with informal lobby networking; arrive early, carry business cards and allow time for relationship-building conversations alongside technical sessions.

    Friday-weekend calendar awareness

    The UAE working week is Monday-Friday with Friday prayers influencing scheduling on some Fridays. The event runs Monday-Tuesday 17-18 November 2026, but plan visa, hotel and transfer bookings around UAE public-holiday calendars if extending your stay.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: AUH

    Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the primary gateway. Compare live schedules and leave enough time for the airport-to-city transfer before the first programme session.

    Visa

    Entry requirements for the UAE depend on nationality; review the official UAE visa and Emirates ID portal (https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id) to determine whether you need a visa before travelling to Abu Dhabi for the event.

    Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

    No specific visa type, fee, or processing time was confirmed in the captured evidence.

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateway: Zayed International Airport (AUH). From arrivals, choose one of four options already used by business visitors: (1) 24/7 metered airport taxis from the official rank; (2) designated Careem or Uber pickup zones; (3) the public bus network on A-series routes (Hafilat card required); or (4) a pre-booked transfer arranged directly with Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Confirm the live route before travel and set your destination to 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Al Muroor Road).

    Hotel → venue: The conference and expo take place inside Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi at 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Al Muroor Road). Delegates staying at the venue hotel do not need a separate daily transfer; use the hotel lobby and meeting levels directly. Delegates staying elsewhere should route to the same address; allow extra time for Al Muroor Road traffic at peak hours.

    Ride-hail: Careem and Uber operate from designated AUH pickup zones. Within Abu Dhabi city, official taxis and app-based services are widely available; specify Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi as the drop-off point for the event.

    Public transit: A-series buses run from Zayed International Airport around the clock. A Hafilat smart card is required for public bus travel. Check current route maps and allow for a connection onward to Al Muroor Road near the hotel if your route does not stop directly at the property.

    Parking: Complimentary on-site parking with valet service for in-house and dining guests at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi (subject to availability). Driving delegates should arrive early on conference days; taxis and ride-hail are often simpler for a central-city hotel venue.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November

    Temperature: Highs ~30°C (86°F), lows ~21-22°C (70-72°F); mean ~26°C (79°F)

    Seasonality: Warm, mostly dry desert-climate days; minimal rainfall (~1-4 mm for the month, typically one rainy day). Humidity ~53-56%.

    Packing: Pack lightweight business attire, a light layer for air-conditioned sessions, sunglasses and sunscreen for outdoor transfers. Check a live forecast closer to travel.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    T-14

    Confirm event registration, badge rules, and trade-only entry requirements. — Use official registration/ticket source first.

    T-13

    Check passport validity, visa eligibility, invitation letter needs, and travel insurance.

    T-12

    Book flights or rail arrival with enough buffer before the first planned show day.

    T-11

    Reserve accommodation near the venue or on a direct public-transport route.

    T-10

    Shortlist target halls, product categories, exhibitors, and conference sessions.

    T-9

    Request meetings with priority exhibitors, partners, distributors, or buyers.

    First-timer guide

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Answer five quick questions about your role, Gulf market focus, project urgency and travel readiness to see whether Data Center World Middle East 2026 (17-18 November 2026, Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi) is a visit, an exhibit or a skip for you.

    QUESTION 1 OF 5

    What is your primary Gulf data-centre objective in November 2026?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    The Gulf is an active growth market for your operations or pipeline and programme tracks (AI infrastructure, liquid cooling, power, security, sovereign cloud) map to current capex or retrofit projects.

    Best for

    Data centre operators, hyperscalers, cloud and colocation providers, Gulf sovereign investors, and EPC stakeholders who need the two-day conference on AI infrastructure, liquid cooling, sustainable energy, hyperscale operations and sovereign cloud; plus face-to-face contact with MENA suppliers.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    Book flights and a Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi stay for 17-18 November 2026; allow 4-8 weeks for delegate registration (early-bird discount referenced before 2 October 2026) and UAE entry formalities where required.

    Risks

    Delegate registration fees are not published on the website; confirm pricing with Informa before budgeting

    Inaugural Abu Dhabi edition; floor scale and verified attendance are not yet benchmarked against the 2018 Dubai edition (~600 attendees)

    exhibit

    You have approved Gulf go-to-market budget, a defined technical story for operators and hyperscalers, and staff who can hold infrastructure-level sales conversations.

    Best for

    Cooling, power, DCIM, security and infrastructure OEMs, colocation developers and professional services vendors seeking qualified meetings with 800+ data centre leaders (organiser marketing figure) across operator, hyperscale and investor roles in one Abu Dhabi window.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    Allow 3-6 months to secure sponsorship or stand space, develop demos for AI-ready infrastructure buyers, and coordinate freight and build for the 17-18 November 2026 show days.

    Risks

    Stand and sponsorship pricing is not published in captured sources; quote directly with Informa

    First Abu Dhabi edition; competitor presence and floor traffic are not yet validated post-show

    skip

    Neither the sector focus nor the Gulf region aligns with your buying, selling or investment decisions for this cycle.

    Best for

    Companies whose remit sits outside data centre build, IT infrastructure, cloud, AI, cooling, power or security; or teams with no Middle East deployment or investment horizon in the next 12-18 months.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    Not applicable; no travel, stand or planning commitment required.

    Risks

    Competitors serving Gulf operators and hyperscalers may capture relationships during the inaugural Abu Dhabi edition

    Gallery

    Photos

    Data Center World Middle East
    Data Center World Middle East

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    DCIM (Data Centre Infrastructure Management)
    Software and monitoring platforms that give operators real-time visibility into power, cooling, capacity, assets and environmental conditions across a data-centre facility.
    2
    PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness)
    A ratio measuring data-centre energy efficiency; total facility energy divided by IT equipment energy; where lower values indicate better operational efficiency.
    3
    Liquid cooling
    Thermal management using direct-to-chip, immersion or other liquid-based systems to remove heat from high-density AI and GPU workloads that air cooling alone cannot support.
    4
    Hyperscale
    Very large cloud and internet companies that operate massive, rapidly expandable data-centre campuses to serve global compute, storage and networking demand.
    5
    Sovereign cloud
    Cloud and data infrastructure governed by national residency, security and compliance requirements; a growing priority for Gulf and MENA governments and regulated industries.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    6

    References

    2

    Publishers

    6

    Date checked

    1

    Informa

    2

    Informa Connect

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