Switzerland’s CTS Group has joined forces with Desert Technologies, a Saudi company specializing in clean energy and smart infrastructure, to create CTS-DT. This new venture aims to develop state-of-the-art AI data center infrastructure within Saudi Arabia. The collaboration signifies a crucial step towards meeting the burgeoning demand for advanced digital solutions in the region.
Ambitious Capacity Goals
Initially, CTS-DT plans to achieve an annual capacity of 300 megawatts (MW), with aspirations to expand this figure to 1.2 gigawatts (GW) over time. The joint venture will concentrate on the design, construction, and manufacturing of cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. This initiative will not only boost local industry but also position Saudi Arabia as a significant player in the global AI landscape.
Strategic Partnership and Location
The partnership was formalized in Riyadh during the LEAP 2026 technology and innovation event, attended by notable figures such as Khalid Ahmed Sharbatly, CEO of Desert Technologies, and Philippe Schelfhout, CEO of CTS Group. This collaboration aims to establish a robust industrial and technology platform within Saudi Arabia to address the increasing needs for AI computing and digital infrastructure. The goal is to make Saudi Arabia a launchpad for further expansion into Middle Eastern and African markets.
Focus on AI and Sustainability
The scope of CTS-DT includes the large-scale design and construction of AI data centers equipped with advanced manufacturing and engineering capabilities. These solutions are expected to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and energy efficiency, meeting the rigorous demands of AI applications. Additionally, the venture is set to localize data center technologies and foster advanced manufacturing capabilities within the kingdom, contributing to national workforce development in engineering and technology.
Contribution to Saudi Vision 2030
Sharbatly emphasized that while the partnership aims to fulfill local demand, it also focuses on exporting infrastructure that catalyzes artificial intelligence growth both regionally and globally. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the digital economy, attract global investments, and develop homegrown technologies. Schelfhout highlighted that Saudi Arabia represents a critical component of CTS Group’s regional growth strategy, reinforcing the mutual benefits of this collaboration.
In conclusion, the establishment of CTS-DT marks a significant advancement in the pursuit of innovative data center solutions in Saudi Arabia. This partnership not only addresses local demands for AI infrastructure but also positions the kingdom as a leader in the digital economy, aligning with broader regional aspirations for technological advancement. By leveraging each other’s strengths, both CTS Group and Desert Technologies are set to transform the landscape of AI and data center technology in the Middle East.