Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping data centre design. As AI workloads drive unprecedented increases in power density, cooling requirements, and infrastructure complexity, operators are being forced to rethink how next-generation facilities are designed, built, and maintained.
Legacy infrastructure is no longer sufficient. As a premier specialist in the data centre built environment, Datalec Precision Installations (DPI) is actively reshaping our capabilities to future-proof whitespace fit-outs for the next generation of compute.
The Density Surge: From Air to Liquid Cooling
For years, standard data centre racks operated comfortably within the 5kW to 15kW range. Today, DPI routinely delivers rack densities of up to 227kW. These are no longer isolated high-performance compute clusters but rather large-scale deployments spanning hundreds of racks in hyperscale environments.
Looking ahead, rack densities are expected to continue climbing rapidly. With technology leaders like NVIDIA projecting that their Rubin Ultra NVL576 will require an extraordinary 600kW of power by late 2027, the industry is entering uncharted thermal territory. To meet this massive wave of next-generation compute, we are already collaborating closely with our clients to develop engineering concepts that can support significantly higher rack densities.
This surge in compute demand is accelerating the transition away from traditional air-cooling strategies. At these density levels, air alone can no longer efficiently remove heat from critical equipment. As a result, the industry is rapidly adopting advanced liquid-cooling technologies, including direct-to-chip cooling and immersion cooling systems.
The shift to liquid cooling is transforming the design of the whitespace environment. Structural loading, power distribution, piping infrastructure, and operational maintenance considerations all become increasingly important. As AI infrastructure evolves, fit-out strategies must evolve alongside it.
Future-Proofing the Whitespace: DPI’s Strategic Adaptations
To address these evolving requirements, DPI has expanded and localised its manufacturing and engineering capabilities. This allows us to deliver high-capacity, liquid-ready whitespace solutions with speed and precision.
- Local Bespoke Manufacturing at our UAE Factory
We have expanded our production capabilities within our UAE factory to support the growing demand for AI-ready infrastructure across the region.
- Freestanding Structural HACs: Bespoke engineering and manufacturing of heavy-duty, stab-supported structural Hot Aisle Containment (HAC) suitable for AI Infrastructure suites.
- Datalec Hyperion Ceiling System: Designed with a 6 kN point load capacity and a uniform load rating of 8 kN/m², the Hyperion system supports the significant mechanical, electrical, and connectivity infrastructure associated with high-density AI deployments without relying on HAC supports.
- Standardised Modular HPC Pods: Localised production of modular whitespace infrastructure sub-assemblies enables faster deployment while maintaining consistency, quality, and scalability.
- Specialised Stainless Steel Fabrication Workshop
As liquid cooling becomes more widely adopted, demand for specialised process water infrastructure continues to grow. To meet the stringent demands of Technology Cooling Loop (TCL) systems, we have established a dedicated stainless-steel fabrication workshop in the UAE.
- Precision Fabrication: We fabricate high-grade technology cooling loops locally to mitigate programme risks (freight) and accelerate programme lead times.
- Rigorous Standards: Every manifold and pipe network is manufactured under strict quality controls that mirror our global standards.
- Global Lifecycle Support
Deploying state-of-the-art liquid cooling involves complex integration and construction of AI infrastructure suites. We have developed the following services to support our AI customers.
- Strategic Partnerships: DPI works closely with leading Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) and glycol manufacturers to support turnkey integration, commissioning, maintenance, and long-term operational requirements.
- The Complete Service: DPI provides end-to-end build, flush, fill, commission and monitoring services to ensure optimal thermal performance from day one.
- 24/7 Rapid Response: We can offer dedicated emergency call-out and long-term maintenance services both locally in the GCC and across our global network.
The Local Advantage: Sustainability, Speed, and Cost Efficiency
By shifting from an import-reliant model to robust local manufacturing, DPI delivers distinct commercial and environmental advantages directly to our clients. Championing the “e “Made in the Emirates mark ensures our operations are fundamentally aligned with national economic goals, offering exceptional In-Country Value (ICV) by reinvesting directly into raw materials and manufacturing infrastructure. This transition to an onshore supply chain eliminates reliance on complex international air and sea freight networks, ensuring your next-generation data centre fit-out is highly optimised across several critical areas:
- Lower Embodied Carbon: Eliminating international ocean and air freight drastically reduces Scope 3 supply chain emissions, helping operators hit their net-zero milestones.
- Sustainability & Community: Localised sourcing drives regional economic growth and actively builds a resilient, highly skilled engineering workforce within the GCC.
- Compressed Project Timelines: Engineering and assembling within the GCC slashes delivery lead times from months to weeks, completely bypassing global shipping bottlenecks and customs checkpoints.
- Superior Cost Effectiveness: Onshore production minimises costly import tariffs, eliminates international transit inflation, and protects projects from expensive logistics delays.
- Programme Risk Mitigation: Manufacturing locally reduces supply chain complexity, removes unpredictable customs delays, and allows real-time quality inspections, guaranteeing predictable deployment schedules for high-stakes builds.
Ready for What Comes Next
The data centre built environment will only grow more complex as densities rise. At DPI, we are not just reacting to these industry changes; we are building the local infrastructure required to lead them. Whether you are deploying a next-generation Machine Learning cluster or expanding a Neocloud facility for GPUaaS, our localised engineering capacity ensures your whitespace is built for tomorrow.
By Sean Christie, Regional Director, Middle East