The Biggest AI Infrastructure Deal in the UAE Just Happened—But It’s Not Just About AI

It’s About Strategic Control

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e&’s $2.2 billion sale of its Khazna Data Centers stake to G42 isn’t just a routine asset monetization.

It’s a strategic move that could reshape AI infrastructure dominance in the UAE.

While it may seem like e& is stepping back, in reality, they are repositioning themselves as a key enabler of AI-grade connectivity while allowing G42 to take a leading role in data center operations.

What Most People Miss:

This isn’t an exit—it’s a restructuring of influence.

e& remains a strategic partner and major tenant of Khazna, shifting focus to AI-driven telecom solutions and multicloud services with AWS, Microsoft, and Oracle.

Meanwhile, G42, backed by MGX and Silver Lake, strengthens its foothold in wholesale colocation services, reinforcing its role in AI-enabled infrastructure.

This move aligns with a broader trend in the telecom industry, where operators are increasingly monetizing infrastructure assets to focus on higher-value digital services.

Similar strategies have been seen in Europe and North America, where telecom giants like AT&T and Telefónica have divested stakes in their data center and tower businesses to optimize capital allocation and invest in AI and cloud-driven solutions.

What’s Next?

Expect to see more telecom giants re-evaluating their infrastructure strategies, potentially offloading physical assets while strengthening their hold on AI-powered services.

The real battle isn’t just about who owns the data center—it’s about who controls the data, the connectivity, and the AI models that run on top.

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The Takeaway?

The AI race isn’t just about computing power—it’s about who owns the digital highways that fuel it.

With this move, e& is shifting its focus, but it remains a critical player in shaping the region’s AI-powered future.

Who’s next?

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