{
  "id": 8152801,
  "title": "UAE minister calls datacenters ‘more important than roads’, unveils new ‘hiding rule’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/uae-minister-calls-datacenters-more-important-than-roads-unveils-new",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-18T01:47:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/while-most-americans-may-hate-datacenters-uae-minister-calls-them-more-important-than-roads-and-has-a-new-hiding-rule-for-them-after-war-destroyed-many/articleshow/134323768.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to radically transform its data center regulations, according to remarks made by Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. Speaking at Salesforce's annual Dreamforce event, Al Olama emphasized the growing importance of data centers, stating that they have become more critical than roads, bridges, or tunnels. He argued that these facilities are prime targets for military threats, given the central role that connected devices play in our daily lives.\n\nResponding to the escalating conflict with Iran, the UAE has taken proactive steps to safeguard its data centers. Al Olama revealed that the country will no longer disclose the physical locations of these hubs to deter potential attackers. This \"hiding rule\" is expected to be adopted by other nations facing similar security concerns. The minister's comments contrast with the stance of many Americans, who generally support data centers despite the polarized views within the US.\n\nThe shift in UAE's approach to data centers is rooted in the severe regional conflict that began on February 28. During the first week of the conflict, the UAE faced over 1,000 projectiles and drones, with Iranian launches traveling at an alarming speed, reaching the country in just two minutes. Despite the intense threats, the UAE managed to intercept more aerial attacks than the entire Middle East and Israel combined, ensuring zero casualties or business disruptions. In response, the UAE is decentralizing key digital assets, including splitting its Stargate data center project into offshore facilities, such as in Germany.\n\nAl Olama also called for a measured approach to AI regulation, warning against allowing fear to stifle innovation. Drawing inspiration from the Middle East's technological decline in the past, he cautioned against repeating historical mistakes, such as the ban of the Gutenberg printing press in the region. He advocated for using established, proven AI systems in public services, such as Abu Dhabi's TAMM administrative platform, while discouraging the use of cutting-edge, high-risk models due to cybersecurity and data breach risks.\n\nFurthermore, Al Olama emphasized the importance of protecting the UAE's domestic workforce from displacement by AI technology. The country has already trained all 80,000 federal civil servants in agentic AI and one million people in prompt design. He dismissed fears of mass unemployment, arguing that AI will ultimately create new opportunities and enhance workforce capabilities. Lastly, Al Olama stressed the need for global cooperation in AI regulation, stating that only widespread adoption can effectively address the challenges posed by this rapidly evolving technology.",
  "summary": "In a bid to bolster data center security, the UAE plans to disguise the physical locations of these critical infrastructures. This strategy is designed to shield them from potential military threats. Furthermore, the nation is diversifying its digital assets and setting up offshore facilities. Minister Al Olama emphasized that excessive caution should not hinder innovation. He also highlighted…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}