Desert Dragon Contributes to Strategic AI Infrastructure Dialogue at Data Center Nation 2026

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Jan 29th, 2026

Desert Dragon Data Centers participated in Data Center Nation (DCN) 2026 in Riyadh, engaging with industry leaders, hyperscalers, and enterprise stakeholders on the future of AI-ready infrastructure. At its booth, the company’s leadership and senior engineering teams held strategic discussions centered on scalable, high-density platforms capable of supporting sovereign AI initiatives and mission-critical deployments across the Kingdom.

During the event, Desert Dragon’s CEO/COO, Khurram Shah contributed to a high-level panel discussion led by Vertiv titled “Empowering the Next Generation of AI Compute in KSA: The 1GW Paradigm.” The session examined the responsibilities that come with scaling AI computing to gigawatt levels, emphasizing that ethical AI adoption must remain central as infrastructure and capabilities rapidly expand. He highlighted security as a critical enabler of next-generation AI in the Kingdom, stressing the need to protect data infrastructure and national digital assets while continuing to support innovation at scale. The panel also discussed how resilient data center design, secure architectures, and forward-looking governance can collectively enable Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions, positioning trust, resilience, and innovation as foundational pillars of the Kingdom’s AI future.

Dr. Kholood AlNutaifi

Regulatory & Government Affairs Leader

Advisory Focus: Regulatory Strategy | Government Affairs | Crisis Leadership | Diversity & Inclusion Alignment

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 Hooton

Senior Managing Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Evermere

Advisory Focus: Strategic Capital | Advanced Technology Systems | Global Scaling & Infrastructure

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.

Sajid Khan

Director of Procurement

Sajid Khan manages the global supply chain and procurement strategy for Desert Dragon’s infrastructure programs. His leadership ensures access to world-class equipment vendors, reliable supply networks, and efficient procurement practices for mission-critical infrastructure.

Farah Zeid

Director of Administration

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.

Martin R. Portocarrero

Director of Finance

Martin Portocarrero oversees financial strategy, capital planning, and investment management for Desert Dragon Data Centers. His role ensures financial discipline across infrastructure development while supporting long-term sustainable growth.

Ahmad Mansour

Executive Director of Engineering

Ahmad leads the design and delivery of hyperscale infrastructure supporting 187 MW of AI-ready data center capacity at Desert Dragon Data Centers. He specializes in mission-critical power systems, advanced cooling technologies, including direct-to-chip and immersion cooling, and engineering strategies aligned with Uptime Institute, TIA-942, and ASHRAE standards.

Muzammil Ahmed

Vice President, ICT & Information Technology

Muzammil Ahmed leads enterprise technology integration across Desert Dragon’s operational ecosystem. His responsibilities include network infrastructure, digital operations platforms, cybersecurity architecture, and integration of advanced monitoring systems that enable intelligent data center operations.

Abdullah Almazny

General Manager

Abdullah Almazny oversees regional operations, regulatory coordination, and organizational execution within the Kingdom. His leadership ensures that Desert Dragon maintains strong alignment with Saudi regulatory frameworks while delivering efficient operational management across all facilities and projects.

Khanh Ho Si

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Khanh Ho Si directs the technology architecture and infrastructure engineering for Desert Dragon Data Centers. With deep expertise in hyperscale infrastructure design, cloud architecture, and advanced data center technologies, he leads the development of systems that support high-density AI compute environments and next-generation cooling technologies. He ensures that Desert Dragon’s facilities remain at the forefront of AI infrastructure innovation.

Khurram Shah

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Khurram Shah leads the operational and strategic development of Desert Dragon’s hyperscale data center platform. With extensive experience in global technology infrastructure, digital transformation, and mission-critical operations, he oversees the planning, construction, and operational execution of the company’s AI-ready data center campuses. His leadership focuses on delivering resilient infrastructure platforms that support next-generation AI workloads and sovereign digital ecosystems.

Mohammed Aldhabaan

Chairman

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.