The Race for AI Power Puts the Middle East on Alert

A $2.8bn financing round for Bridge Data Centres underscores how AI infrastructure is becoming as strategic as oil and gas

12 Jan 2026

The push to power artificial intelligence is no longer just a tech story. It is becoming an energy story too, and one with growing relevance for the Middle East.

In March 2025, Bridge Data Centres raised about $2.8 billion in bank financing to fund its global expansion. Backed by Bain Capital, the company builds large, AI-ready data centers designed for heavy computing loads. The deal did not single out the Middle East, but the region is widely seen as part of the company’s evaluation as it looks for markets that combine deep energy resources with big digital ambitions.

That interest reflects a broader shift. Digital infrastructure is increasingly treated as a strategic asset, alongside oil, gas, and power capacity. For energy producers, the ability to process vast amounts of data quickly is becoming central to staying competitive.

AI is already embedded in many parts of the energy business. Companies use it for seismic imaging, reservoir modeling, predictive maintenance, and operational planning. All of this depends on fast and reliable computing. When data has to travel long distances to be processed, delays and costs can creep in. Local or regional data centers help close that gap, even if Bridge’s latest financing is not yet tied to specific Middle East projects.

Analysts note that energy companies across the region are spending heavily on digital tools, while physical infrastructure works to catch up. In that sense, data centers are an enabler rather than a silver bullet. Having the facilities in place does not guarantee rapid AI adoption, but without them, scaling new technologies becomes much harder.

The hurdles are real. Large data centers demand huge amounts of power, robust grids, advanced cooling systems, and clear regulation. These requirements can slow development and raise costs. Still, the scale of investor backing suggests confidence that long-term demand for AI-driven infrastructure will keep rising.

For Middle East energy players, the signal is clear. Even without a direct project announcement, access to nearby computing power is emerging as a strategic advantage. As AI becomes woven into daily operations, the steady build-out of digital infrastructure may shape the industry’s future as much as the next major resource find.