Desert Dragon Data Centers
Place: Riyadh, Jeddah, Neom, Dammam
Customer: NewCo – Shareholding: CITIC Group, Lumaotong Holding, Top Solar, ICS Arabia
Year: 2024 – 2027 (forecast)
Notes: designed to comply UpTime Institute TIER III – IV standard and aiming at LEED Gold certification
A new data center hub, spanning five strategic locations across Saudi Arabia, represents a benchmark in cutting-edge technology, innovation, and large-scale deployment.
Each site will host several state-of-the-art data centers, integrating advanced technologies such as immersive cooling for high-performance computing tailored for AI processing, robust cybersecurity measures, and energy-efficient systems designed to meet the highest international standards. These include Tier III and Tier IV certifications from the Uptime Institute and LEED Gold certification for sustainable design.
With a total computing power of 187 MW, the project is designed to deliver co-hosting capabilities for over 10,000 racks, supporting up to 13 kW per conventional rack and an impressive 100 kW per immersive rack, offering secure and scalable solutions for businesses and Hyperscalers, with a considerable proportion of the data center capacity dedicated to large-scale AI computing platforms.
The design of these facilities incorporates the latest advancements in computing technology, modular construction, precision cooling, and renewable energy integration, maximizing sustainability and contemporarily ensuring optimal performance with meticulous attention to scalability, reliability, and compliance with both local and international regulations.
Manens is responsible for guiding, auditing, and approving detailed design activities across all domains, including architecture, structural, MEPF (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Firefighting) systems, including the advanced cooling technologies, and ICT systems; moreover, Manens is in charge of site supervision and all on-suit approvals and reporting activities.
Leveraging our extensive experience and proven methodology in coordinating complex project designs, we emphasise delivering well-integrated, first-time-right, end-to-end design solutions. This approach enhances the quality of the design work, ensures the optimization of both capital and operational expenditures, and maintains the highest levels of efficiency and reliability while meeting the project’s stringent deadlines.
The main building also hosts the Data Center, designed to meet maximum reliability, flexibility, and modularity of spaces and equipment. It features dedicated HVAC control systems, powered by a backup and fully redundant electrical system. Cooling is provided by precision water-cooled “in-row” conditioners aligned in two rack rows, using a “cold aisle” layout for greater energy efficiency. As per safety features, the Data Center is provided with an inert gas fire detection system and an environmental monitoring system.
In addition, Manens provides a comprehensive suite of Project Management Office (PMO) services, encompassing risk assessment, financial oversight, and quality management. These services are critical to ensuring the project is delivered on time and within budget, while proactively mitigating risks and sustaining efficiency at every stage of execution.
