Sultan Bin Ahmed witnesses pact signing on data centres

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Communication Technologies Authority (SCTA), attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding involving the Sharjah Communication and Technology Authority, BEEAH Group, and Khazna Data Centre.

The agreement will create data centres at various chosen locations in Sharjah, featuring the largest Tier III data centre located at the Sharjah Free Zone for Communication Technologies (ComTec) in Kalba.

The MOU was signed at BEEAH’s headquarters by Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, Hassan Al Naqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centres, and Rashid Al Ali, Executive Director of the Sharjah Communication and Technology Authority.

The initiative seeks to enhance Sharjah’s digital infrastructure, propel digital transformation, and create innovative communication solutions.

The partners will investigate renewable energy sources for the data centres and establish new sustainability benchmarks for the industry. Khazna Data Centres will concentrate on developing the facilities to establish a model of sustainable, advanced digital infrastructure, while the Sharjah Communication and Technology Authority will provide regulatory support, allocate land, and establish energy infrastructure.

This project represents a significant milestone, enhancing Sharjah’s digital and cloud service infrastructure and paving the way for Kalba’s free zone to emerge as a global hub for artificial intelligence. The initiative further enhances BEEAH’s role in sustainable data centre development, building upon the company’s notable achievements in sustainability and digital transformation.

During the signing event, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi visited BEEAH’s art exhibition, “Women’s Work: From Handicrafts to Fine Arts — Reviving Arab Textile Arts,” in partnership with the Barjeel Art Foundation, showcasing works that emphasise a blend of handicrafts and fine arts.

In attendance at the signing were Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah Digital Department; Engineer Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority; Engineer Hamad Jumaa Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Planning and Survey Department; and Saeed Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority, along with other senior officials.

Recently, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed officially laid the foundation stone for two significant projects: Al Reeh Al Mursala Dispensary and A Drinking Water Network in the village of Oktyabr, Kyrgyz Republic. The projects are funded by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority in collaboration with the Sharjah Charity International.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed highlighted the significance of charitable initiatives and humanitarian efforts focused on assisting those in need, such as building hospitals, aiding patients, and establishing clean water systems globally. He has further emphasised the commitment of the UAE, especially Sharjah, to these initiatives, in line with the directives of the nation’s wise leadership in promoting a safe and healthy life for everyone.

The dispensary, offering a variety of medical services, and the drinking water treatment system intended for the Oktyabr region are key components of a continuing series of charitable initiatives. These initiatives commenced in Aswan, Egypt, in July and are set to expand to additional countries, aiming to maximise healthcare availability for the general public.

Commenting on this, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed explained that the main objective of these initiatives is to provide healthcare services to individuals who are unable to afford them, in addition to delivering charitable assistance to those who are most in need. He thanked the donors and contributors who have significantly influenced these initiatives with their generous support for various charitable programmes like “Pain and Hope” and “Al Reeh Al Mursala,” which highlight humanitarian cases.

Upon arriving at the project site, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed planted trees and laid the foundation stone for the Al Reeh Al Mursala Dispensary. He then visited an exhibition that highlighted plans and details regarding the new facility, which will span 350 square metres and provide a range of specialities, including general medicine, consultancy services, radiology, obstetrics, gynaecology, and medical laboratories.