H.E. Dep. Minister of Investment Mr. Mohammad AlSahib and the GM of ICT-Ministry of Investment Mr. Mohammed Al-Shabanah with the International Investors of Desert Dragon Data Centers.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 6th November 2024
The groundbreaking launch event, held at the Diplomatic Quarters Marriott in Riyadh, was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and business executives. The ceremony marked the unveiling of the state-of-the-art data centers, which are designed to meet the growing demand for secure, reliable, and scalable hosting requirements.
The Desert Dragon Data Centers, with a substantial 187 MW capacity, will play a pivotal role in supporting businesses and government entities in fulfilling their digital transformation efforts. The facilities will also feature the country’s first fully immersive data center for high-density applications such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Gen. Abdullah AlMazny (Retd.), General Manager of Desert Dragon said, “Desert Dragon Data Center will advance the technological landscape and welcome Hyperscalers and AI providers to further strengthen Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”
Mr. Khurram Shah, Chairman of the Board for Desert Dragon, highlighted the technical capability and advanced features of the Desert Dragon Data Centers. With the launch of first phase – 59 MW Al-Kharj and 6MW in downtown Riyadh to meet the growing demands for high quality, secure, concurrent, and scalable hosting requirements. Mr. Shah also unveiled country’s first Tier III rated fully Immersive Data Center for very high-density applications such as AI.
CEO of ICS Arabia said, “ICS Arabia has transferred over a decade of data center design and build experience into this 4th Gen Data Center design, which allows Desert Dragon Data Centers to be commissioned in a highly localized, efficient, and sustainable manner.”
The event also saw the signing of several strategic pledges between Desert Dragon and its esteemed partners, including Go Telecom, Life Shield & Hoshan Group signed up as colocation clients’, whereas CommScope and Schneider Electric signed up as key technology partners. These partnerships aim to further enhance the capabilities of the Desert Dragon Data Centers, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovative technology and operational efficiency.
#DesertDragon #DragonDC #ICSarabia #Vision2030 #DataCenter
Dr. Kholood AlNutaifi is a prominent Saudi regulatory and government affairs leader whose career spans more than two decades across national institutions, oversight, and public‑sector modernization. Her work with the Ministry of Health (MOH) included advising on strategic programs, crisis‑response operations during COVID-19 at the national level decision‑making frameworks, and inter‑agency coordination mechanisms—capabilities essential for guiding the deployment of emerging technologies within high‑governance environments.
As a highly respected Saudi woman leader, Dr. Kholood strengthens Desert Dragon’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 priorities. Her growing specialization in advanced digital systems and AI, combined with her extensive policy and regulatory experience, enables her to bridge the intersection of technology, governance, and national security considerations. Her presence institutionalizes credibility and supports the company’s mission to deploy advanced technologies responsibly, safely, and in full compliance with national development and regulatory expectations.
Tobias brings two decades of global leadership across capital markets, advanced technology, and large-scale infrastructure—experience directly aligned with Desert Dragon’s mission. In his role as the Board’s Advisor, he will help with global strategic insight, ensuring the company’s innovations align with the technological, economic, and geopolitical shifts defining the next decade. His presence strengthens Desert Dragon’s ability to build a future-ready platform with the scale, sophistication, and credibility required to lead technology transformation in KSA.
As CEO of Evermere, Tobias leads high-stakes investment and technology initiatives spanning critical global systems, including advanced computing, digital infrastructure, AI-driven platforms, and sovereign-grade economic architecture. His work advising sovereign funds, institutional investors, global financial partners, and technology operators gives him a unique perspective on how frontier technologies transition from prototype to scalable national capability.
What sets Tobias apart is his rare combination of founder-level operational expertise and institutional investment acumen. He has built and exited multiple technology ventures, giving him a hands-on understanding of system design, scalability, and technical execution. At the same time, he has structured and led complex, high-value transactions that shape national and regional infrastructure.
Farah Zeid leads Desert Dragon’s administration, focusing on workforce development, talent acquisition, and leadership development. Her mission is to build a high-performance team capable of supporting the Kingdom’s growing technology sector.
Mohammed AlDhabaan provides strategic leadership and long-term vision for Desert Dragon Data Centers. With extensive experience across government collaboration, infrastructure development, and strategic investment initiatives in the Kingdom, he guides the organization’s role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. His leadership ensures that Desert Dragon’s growth aligns with national priorities under Vision 2030 while fostering partnerships that accelerate technological innovation across the Kingdom.