Alibaba Cloud to revamp data center in Dubai

Alibaba Cloud, in partnership with Dubai Holding, will upgrade its data center in the emirate. (WAM)
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Updated 06 March 2023
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Alibaba Cloud to revamp data center in Dubai

  • Upgraded facility will offer analytics tools to help improve business operations and performance
  • Alibaba Group subsidiary also unveiled an improved partner strategy in the Middle East

DUBAI: Alibaba Cloud, a cloud computing subsidiary of Alibaba Group, announced on Monday its partnership with Dubai Holding to upgrade its Dubai-based data center for a broader range of services in analytics, databases, industry solutions and artificial intelligence services. 

The announcement was made during the launch of Alibaba Cloud’s Cloud Day summit in Dubai, Emirates News Agency reported. 

Alibaba Cloud will provide local customers with services such as a virtual computing environment with elastic processing capability on computing components and higher computing capacity, higher bandwidth, lower latency and improved performance via the upgraded data center. 

The upgrade will also include the latest analytics tools to help improve business operations and performance. 

Furthermore, the facility will include a revamp of its advanced database to provide faster, more efficient data processing, as well as industry-specific solutions and AI-powered services that will address challenges. 

“We are thrilled to host Alibaba Cloud Day in Dubai for a second consecutive year. Our continued partnership with Dubai Holding is in line with our commitment to continuously investing in the Middle East region and supporting the local businesses with their digital journey,” Daniel Jiang, Dubai Holding’s general manager of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said. 

“By leveraging Dubai Holding’s local expertise and Alibaba Cloud’s trusted cloud-based technology, we believe that our upgraded data center will be able to provide local businesses with more robust, secure and high-performing capabilities to achieve stronger growth and better respond to the evolving digital landscape across the region,” Jiang added.

Alibaba Cloud also unveiled an improved partner strategy with more resources and initiatives to offer comprehensive support for partners throughout local customers’ digitalization in the Middle East.

The company launched an MEA Alliance boosting program to provide local partners with a customized business collaboration model and incentives in the region, such as a dedicated partner management channel, additional cloud resources, increased product margins, and expanded marketing initiatives.

 


PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

Updated 27 February 2026
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PIF-backed AviLease achieves revenue of $664m and 19% growth in 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund-backed AviLease achieved exceptional performance and sustainable business growth during 2025, supported by the strategic expansion of its global platform.

According to its financial results for 2025, AviLease recorded total revenues of $664 million, an annual increase of 19 percent, driven by disciplined growth in its asset portfolio and strong performance in aircraft remarketing amid sustained global demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Profit before tax doubled compared to the previous year, reaching $122 million. The year witnessed an expansion in AviLease’s portfolio, reaching 202 owned and managed aircraft, leased to over 50 airline companies in more than 30 countries. 

The total value of the company’s assets stabilized at $9.3 billion. AviLease maintained a 100 percent fleet utilization rate, reflecting the resilience of its business model, the efficiency of its asset management, and the strength of its strategic relationships with airlines around the world.

AviLease concluded purchase agreements for aircraft from Airbus, including the A320neo family and A350F, and Boeing 737 aircraft, aiming to enhance its future asset portfolio with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. This step will contribute to supporting future growth and meeting increasing customer demand for the latest aircraft, aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a leading global aviation hub.

AviLease strengthened its prestigious credit standing by obtaining a strong Baa2 credit ratings from Moody’s and BBB from Fitch, reflecting its financial solidity, managerial discipline, and efficiency in managing leverage. The company also successfully issued senior unsecured bonds worth $850 million last November under Regulation 144A/RegS. This issuance contributed to diversifying its funding sources and enhancing its financial flexibility.

Commenting on the results, AviLease CEO Edward O’Byrne said: “This exceptional performance reflects the quality of the company’s investment portfolio, the strength of its partnerships with airlines, and its strategic focus on responsibly deploying capital into highly sought-after, efficient, modern aircraft assets.”

He added: “As aviation markets continue to grow, AviLease is strategically positioned to continue its expansion plans and deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambitions.”

Throughout 2025, AviLease continued to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector and contributed directly to the launch and scaling of the new national carrier, Riyadh Air, by completing a sale and leaseback transaction for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which thereby became the first aircraft to join the airline’s fleet.

AviLease also established a strategic partnership with Hassana Investment Co. This partnership aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to enter the aircraft financing asset class and benefit from AviLease’s technical expertise and operational capabilities to support partnership growth and enhance performance. 

Hassana Investment Co. has agreed to acquire an initial portfolio of 10 modern aircraft from AviLease.