Colocation, also known as 'colo,' grants your business access to a more robust infrastructure compared to a standard on-premises setup, ensuring near 100% uptime as per the SLA agreement.
By sharing operational costs for essentials like power, cooling, bandwidth, communications, and security with other tenants in the data center, you can skip the need for significant capital expenditures on items like multiple backup generators, power grids, and HVAC units.
Additionally, the ongoing maintenance expenses linked to managing an in-house server(s) are eliminated, making colo a more cost-effective and hassle-free option than constructing and overseeing a dedicated data center for a single user.
A colocation service provider, often referred to as a "colo" or "colocation facility," is a company that offers data center facilities and resources to businesses for housing their servers, networking equipment, and other computing hardware. Instead of managing their own on-premises data centers, organisations can opt to colocate their IT infrastructure in a facility provided by a third-party colocation service provider.
Colocation services typically include the following features:
Choosing a reliable colocation service provider is crucial for several reasons:
Highlighted below are some of the best colocation service providers in the UAE region:
Number of Data Centres: 260+
Headquarters: California, USA
Equinix data centers excel in interconnection, offering a carrier-neutral ecosystem for direct and secure connections among networks, cloud providers, and enterprises. With scalable infrastructure and flexible colocation options, businesses can easily adapt to changing needs. Equinix prioritises security and compliance, meeting industry standards for safeguarding assets and sensitive information. Their global network of data centers enables low-latency connections, fostering seamless collaboration on a worldwide scale.
Orixcom, a proud global partner of Equinix, offers tailored colocation solutions in Dubai and globally. These solutions, ranging from customised private cages to single cabinets and meticulously managed sub-rack spaces, find their home within Equinix International Business Exchanges (IBX). What sets this collaboration apart is the assurance of a robust infrastructure, surpassing typical on-premises solutions, and a steadfast commitment to 99.999% uptime through Service Level Agreements (SLA). Notably, Equinix's management of the Dubai International Business Exchange introduces groundbreaking carrier-neutral data centers to the Middle East, serving as natural aggregation points for global connectivity and central hubs for international business activities in the dynamic MENA region.
Number of data centres: 11
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Etisalat's colocation services offer a set of features catering to the varied needs of businesses seeking hosting solutions. Their data centers provide a carrier-neutral environment for interconnection among networks, cloud services, and enterprises. While emphasising scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt to changing needs, the services maintain a focus on security measures for safeguarding data and assets. The commitment to high availability is highlighted, ensuring consistent access to critical services.
Number of data centres: 5
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Du's data center services incorporate features such as reliability, resiliency, and geographic redundancy across strategically located sites, extending from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. This setup aims to support business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities. The infrastructure allows for rapid scalability through an efficient and modular build-out across facilities. Security measures meet or exceed industry standards, including CCTV monitoring, biometric hand geometry readers, individuality-locked racks, and a 24/7/365 onsite security team. Du also provides connectivity options for applications and services, both within data center facilities and in the cloud, emphasising high availability and hyper-connected hubs.
Number of data centres: 12
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Khazna, an established participant in the data center industry, offers a range of colocation services to address diverse business needs. Their facilities are designed to meet standard industry requirements, providing basic features such as reliability, scalability, and security for critical systems. With a focus on redundancy and reliability, Khazna implements measures like backup power systems and basic security protocols, including biometric access controls. The colocation services allow clients to adjust their IT infrastructure as necessary, offering connectivity options for establishing connections with other businesses, cloud service providers, and networks. Khazna also provides 24/7 monitoring and technical support as part of their service offering.
Number of data centres: 5
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Gulf Data Hub offers a range of colocation services tailored to diverse business needs. The company typically provides secure hosting solutions, emphasising a reliable and efficient infrastructure for its clients. Gulf Data Hub's colocation services often include state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced technologies to ensure optimal performance and security. Scalability is a key feature, allowing clients to adjust their IT infrastructure based on evolving requirements. The company typically implements redundancy measures and security protocols, such as backup power systems, cooling redundancies, and strict access controls, to minimise the risk of downtime and safeguard clients' data. Connectivity options are also a focus, enabling clients to establish high-speed and secure connections with other businesses, cloud service providers, and networks.
Number of data centres: Multiple
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
EHDF (Emirates Data Clearing House) distinguishes itself as one of the few service providers in the region offering Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity (DR & BC) Sites. Their colocation services go beyond providing secure hosting solutions, incorporating state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced technologies to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and security. EHDF's commitment to redundancy measures, security protocols, and connectivity options positions them as a reliable partner for businesses seeking to adapt their IT infrastructure to evolving needs. Additionally, EHDF's 24/7 Operations and Management further underscore their dedication to ensuring that clients' businesses are consistently looked after, providing peace of mind in critical scenarios.
Number of data centres: 2
Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), stands out as a UAE-based digital data hub. Specialising in transformation and operational execution services, Moro Hub is dedicated to supporting its clients' digital agendas. Through its colocation services, Moro Hub provides a secure and reliable environment for businesses seeking to optimise their data infrastructure. Equipped with advanced technologies, the hub enables optimal performance, scalability, and security for critical systems. Moro Hub's affiliation with Digital DEWA reinforces its commitment to driving digital transformation and offering comprehensive solutions aligned with the evolving needs of businesses.
Number of data centres: 1
Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Injazat's colocation services are housed in the strategically positioned Injazat Premier Data Center, situated between Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, and the Western Region. This facility, distinguished by its Tier IV design and ISO 27001 certification, offers a neutral and secure environment for organisations seeking high-level security, quality, and operational reliability. The Managed Co-location Service within this data center integrates redundant systems and advanced facility management, ensuring guaranteed uptime, adaptability to business needs, and a secure physical environment. Injazat's commitment to maximising return on IT investment, providing scalable solutions, and ensuring reliable service delivery aligns with international standards.
Colocation services offer several benefits for businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), contributing to the efficiency, security, and scalability of their IT operations. Here are some key advantages:
Colocation providers in the UAE typically invest in advanced infrastructure, including redundant power systems, cooling solutions, and network connectivity. This results in high reliability and uptime for businesses colocating their servers and equipment.
Colocation facilities prioritise security, implementing physical security features like surveillance cameras, access controls, and on-site security personnel. Additionally, they often have advanced cybersecurity measures to protect data and sensitive information from potential threats.
The UAE is a hub for global business, and colocation providers in the region often offer high-speed and redundant internet connectivity. This is crucial for businesses requiring fast and reliable access to their hosted applications and services.
Colocation providers in the UAE are generally aware of and compliant with local and international regulations. This is especially important for businesses in sectors with specific compliance requirements, such as finance, healthcare, or government.
As businesses grow, their IT infrastructure needs may change. Colocation services allow for easy scalability, enabling businesses to expand their server and equipment capacity without the need for significant capital investments or changes to their physical infrastructure.
Colocation can be a cost-effective solution for businesses in the UAE. It eliminates the need for building and maintaining an in-house data center, which involves substantial upfront costs and ongoing operational expenses. Instead, businesses pay for the specific resources and services they use.
Colocation providers often have robust disaster recovery plans in place. By colocating in a geographically diverse facility, businesses can enhance their disaster recovery capabilities and ensure business continuity in the event of unforeseen incidents.
Outsourcing data center management to a colocation provider allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and strategic objectives. It frees up internal resources and expertise, allowing the organisation to concentrate on its primary business activities.
For businesses with international operations or customers, colocating in the UAE can provide strategic advantages due to its central location and excellent connectivity to various regions. This facilitates efficient communication and collaboration on a global scale.
Selecting the appropriate colocation service provider is a crucial decision for businesses aiming to enhance their IT infrastructure. Several factors should be carefully considered to ensure the chosen provider aligns with the specific needs and goals of the organisation.
Physical Location and Accessibility:
Security Measures:
Adherence to Industry Standards:
Uptime and Reliability:
Scalability and Flexibility:
Connectivity Options:
Financial Aspects:
Navigating the diverse landscape of colocation service providers in the UAE requires a meticulous evaluation of key factors to align the chosen provider with your business objectives. Each of the top 8 colocation providers in the UAE offers a unique set of features, ranging from state-of-the-art facilities and security protocols to scalability and reliability. By prioritising your specific requirements, such as proximity, security, and scalability, you can make an informed decision that ensures your IT infrastructure is in capable hands. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, selecting a colocation provider that not only meets your current needs but also offers flexibility for future growth is essential. Whether it's Equinix, Injazat, Moro Hub, or any of the other reputable providers, a comprehensive assessment will empower your business to thrive in the dynamic and interconnected world of colocation services in the UAE.