Colocation

Top 5 Colocation Service Providers in UAE

What is Colocation?

Colocation or colo as it is abbreviated provides your business with a more powerful infrastructure than a typical on-premises environment and will guarantee almost 100 percent availability as stipulated in the SLA.

You do not have to make major capital outlays to purchase items such as multiple backup generators, power grids, HVAC units, etc. by sharing the cost of power, cooling, bandwidth, communications and security with other tenants in the data center.

Also, the constant costs of maintenance associated with the operation of an in-house server(s) are avoided, and colo is more affordable and convenient than building and maintaining a dedicated data center to serve a single user.

Who is Colocation Service Provider in Dubai, UAE?

A colocation service provider, commonly abbreviated as a colo or colocation facility, is a business that provides data center space and infrastructure to other businesses to host their servers, networking gear, and other computer hardware. Organisations are able to colocate their IT infrastructure in a facility offered by a third party colocation service provider instead of operating their own on premise data centres.

The features of colocation services usually consist of the following:

Physical Space: Colocation providers provide rack space or dedicated cages in their data centers where their clients can install their servers and equipment.

Power and Cooling: Colocation facilities offer a stable source of power, backup power, and effective cooling systems to guarantee performance and avoid overheating of equipment.

Connectivity: Colocation providers provide high-speed internet connectivity and in most cases have multiple network carriers to provide redundancy and reliability.

Security: Data centers use high-security measures, such as surveillance, access, and monitoring to protect the equipment and data of clients.

Support: Colocation providers can also provide other services like remote hands support, hardware maintenance and trouble shooting.

Choosing a reliable colocation service provider in Dubai, UAE is crucial for several reasons:

It is important to select a durable colocation service provider because of many reasons:

Uptime and Reliability: A well-established colocation company will also offer a good level of infrastructure and redundancy with little to no threat of downtime and guarantee high availability of hosted services.

Network Connectivity: Quality colocation provider has diverse and redundant network connectivity solutions; therefore, they provide high and consistent connectivity that businesses would get.

Security: Colocation facilities spend heavily on security precaution that includes both the physical and electronic security where the security is to protect hardware and sensitive data of the clients.

Scalability: A decent colocation service must enable businesses to expand their infrastructure without any hassles, and it does not require major investments in other on-premises service.

Compliance: Industries also rely on various legal regulations that businesses should accord. A respectable colocation provider also keeps their facilities at the level concerning the compliance rules and industry standards.

Cost Effectiveness: Colocation solutions may also be cost effective in smaller business or those that do not have specialised IT personnel instead of maintaining and upgrading an in-house data center.

Top 5 Colocation Service Providers in Dubai, UAE

Highlighted below are some of the best colocation service providers in the UAE region:

1. NetForChoice UAE

NetForChoice UAE is a leading colocation services provider in Dubai, offering businesses secure, reliable, and scalable solutions for their IT infrastructure needs. With a state-of-the-art data center located in Dubai, we provide world-class colocation services that ensure your critical systems and data are always protected and accessible.

As a trusted colocation services provider in Dubai, NetForChoice offers businesses the ability to host their servers, storage, and network equipment in a secure and controlled environment. Our data center features robust security measures, including 24/7 surveillance, access controls, and fire suppression systems, ensuring that your equipment is always protected from physical threats.

In addition to physical security, we also offer high availability and uptime with redundant power systems, cooling mechanisms, and network connections. With NetForChoice UAE, businesses can rely on a fully managed and optimized environment for their servers, freeing them from the complexities of managing in-house infrastructure.

Our colocation services provide businesses with the flexibility to scale their operations as needed. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, our solutions can be tailored to meet your specific needs. We offer a range of customizable plans, so you only pay for the resources you require. Our data center is strategically located in Dubai, ensuring low-latency connections to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

Choose NetForChoice UAE as your colocation services provider in Dubai and gain access to industry-leading infrastructure, expert support, and unmatched security. Our team of skilled professionals is always available to help optimize your IT infrastructure, ensuring that your business stays ahead of the competition. Let us handle your data center needs while you focus on growing your business.

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2. Equinix

Equinix data centers are leaders in interconnection with an ecosystem that includes a carrier-neutral data center, so the connection between networks, cloud providers, and enterprises happens in direct and secure connections. Business may easily change according to circumstances through scalable infrastructure and flexible choices of colocation. Equinix places emphasis on security and compliance and complies with the industry standards when it comes to asset and sensitive information protection. Their data centers that cover the whole world will provide them with low latency connections that stimulate smooth cooperation on the global level.

Orixcom, the proud global partner of Equinix, provides customized colocation services in Dubai and the world. Among these solutions include customised private cages, single cabinets and well maintained sub-rack space which are located in Equinix International Business Exchanges (IBX). The distinguishing factor of this collaboration is the guarantee of an enterprise infrastructure that is better than the common on-premises solution, as well as the unwavering promise of 0.001 percent on uptime following a Service Level Agreements (SLA). Remarkably, the management of the Dubai International Business Exchange by Equinix brings transforming carrier-neutral data centers to the Middle East, which can be considered natural aggregation sites of connectivity scatter across the world and central sources of business in the versatile MENA region.

3. Etisalat

Etisalat colocation has a collection of features to address different business requirements on hosting solutions. Their data centers offer a carrier-neutral interconnection between the networks, cloud services, and enterprises. Despite putting an emphasis on scalability and flexibility so that business can adapt to the changing requirements, the services remain anchored on security measures in lieu of data and asset security. The high availability is emphasised, and important services are always accessible.

4. Du

The services that are provided in the data center by Du include reliability, resiliency, geographic redundancy, and the locations where the data center facilities are strategically placed including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Such an arrangement is to take care of business continuity and disaster recovery. Its infrastructure can easily be scaled by building out efficiently and in modules in its facilities. The security is in line with or ahead of the industry standards, such as CCTV, biometric hand geometry readers, individuality-locked racks, and a dedicated 24/7/365 on-site security force. Du also offers application and service connectivity either in the cloud or in data center infrastructure both; high availability and hyper connected hubs.

5. Khazna

Khazna is a well-understood operator of data center industry that provides various colocation services to meet the varying business requirements. They offer facilities that comply with the general industry practices and have the basic requirements in terms of reliability, scalability, and security of critical systems. During its emphasis on redundancy and reliability, Khazna takes such steps as backup power system and fundamental security arrangements, such as biometric access permissions. The colocation services enable the clients to fine-tune their IT infrastructure when the need arises, and such services also provide connectivity solutions to build the connections with other entities, cloud service providers, and networks. Included in their services is also 24/7 monitoring and technical support offered by Khazna.

Also Read: Data Centers Dubai: Top 10 You Should Know in 2025

Advantages of Colocation to Companies in UAE

There are a number of ways in which colocation services can benefit the businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the effectiveness, safety and growth of their IT functions. The following are some of the major benefits here:

1. Reliability and Uptime:
The UAE colocation providers usually invest in high-end infrastructure such as redundant power systems, cooling systems, network connectivity. This brings about reliable and high availability of businesses that have their servers and equipment colocated.

2. Strong security system:
Colocation centres are also security-centered where they put in place physical protection such as security cameras, access controls as well as the presence of on-site security staff. They also tend to possess sophisticated cybersecurity controls to keep their data and other sensitive information away of being tampered with.

3. High-Speed Connectivity:
UAE is a business centre in the region and colocation providers tend to provide redundant and high-speed internet links in the region. This is vital to businesses with high speed and dependability going in and out of their hosted services and applications.

4. Adhering Regulations:
Colocation providers in the UAE tend to be knowledgeable and adherant to the local and international laws. This is particularly significant in the case of companies whose industry is regulated in terms of compliance obligation, e.g., in the finance, health care, or government.

5. Scalability:
A business can develop needs about an IT infrastructure, as it expands. The services provided by colocation companies ensure scalability that ensures that a business can increase its server capacity and equipment storage without a huge capital investment and without requiring alteration of its physical facility.

6. Cost Savings:
Colocation may also present an inexpensive option to companies in UAE. It also keeps away the need of constructing and maintaining in house data center, which is expensive at start and recurring sustenance costs. Instead, the businesses will be charged the amount of resources and services that they consumed.

7. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
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.

8. Focus on Core Competencies:
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.

9. Global Reach:
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.

The Best Way To Find the Right Colocation Service Provider in Dubai, UAE to Your Business

The choice of the colocation service provider is a very important one to the business which wants to upgrade its IT infrastructure. There are a number of issues that have to be taken into consideration in order to make sure that selected provider meets the special requirements and objectives of the organisation.

Physical location and Accessibility:

• Close to business locations that are strategic to the business logistically.
• Availability of easiness in maintenance and support of the facility.

Security Measures:

• Security measures of the facilities such as observation of facility, entry control and intruder alarms.
• Contingency measures to protect and continue data in case of an emergency such as redundancy.

Industry Standards compliance:

• Adherence to Tier certifications or other best practice in the industry relating to data center operations.

Uptime/Reliability:

• Uptime and reliability proven track record with A service level agreements (SLAs) with warranties.
• There is SLA scrutiny of which to confirm that it complements the needs and expectations of the business.

Scalability and Flexibility:

• Potential of the provider to be able to scale the services depending on the changing demands of the business.
• Space, power and connectivity flexibility.

Connectivity Options:

• Planning of network capabilities and access to the best carriers.
• Analysis of the peering relationship of the provider and interconnection alternatives.

Financial Aspects:

• Pricing structures, like upfront fees, subscription fees and costly perks they have to buy.
• The overall assessment of return on investment (ROI) with the account taken of the quality of service delivered.

Know More: Cyber security in Dubai: How the City Is Building a Safer Digital Future

Conclusion:

The search and selection process in the multi-faceted environment of colocation service suppliers on the UAE can only be made effective by the careful consideration of various impactful issues which will match the provider selected with your business goals. All the top 5 colocation providers in the UAE have different features, including the most advanced technologies and security controlling, scalability and reliability.

The decision on how your IT infrastructure is going to be in the right hands requires that you consider your needs; that is proximity, security, and ability to scale your needs before making the final decision.

The digital environment would be more dynamic, and hence it is important to choose a colocation company that can not only fulfill your pending requirements but should also be able to give you the flexibility to expand in future. It can be NetForChoice UAE, Equinix, Etisalat, Du, Khazna, or any of the other holders of a good reputation, but a thorough analysis will enable your company to flourish in the ever-changing and globally interdependent environment of colocation facilities in the UAE.

FAQs related to Colocation services UAE:

Question: Does the UAE provide special rules or mandatory requirements to follow colocation services?

The UAE does not have specific rules or compliance needs built specifically to deal with colocation services. Nevertheless, there exist larger regulatory frameworks of business in the UAE concerning information technology, data protection, and cybersecurity. These are rules which seek to achieve a safe and responsible utilization of the technology and information in the nation. A few associated regulations and considerations, which could affect the colocation services in the UAE, are listed below:

Data Protection and Privacy Laws: Although the country has taken a step towards data protection and privacy, it has advanced. Commencing with the adoption of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) in 2019, there has been a fundamental change in this field. The data protection laws have to be followed by data centers and colocation providers, and there has to be a proper protection of personal and sensitive data.

Cybersecurity Laws: The UAE has cybersecurity related laws and regulations. Colocation providers are to be well equipped with cybersecurity measures to prevent a cyber-attack on their systems and unauthorised access to data.

Free Zone Regulations: In UAE, some data centers and colocation spaces are performed in a free zone, where government-regulated framework is appropriate. The advantages and rules usually applied in free zones accorded to businesses depend on the kinds of services the business offers.

Question: Which are the various forms of colocation services?

Knowing the various colocation services enables business to select a service that best suits its requirements, be it relative to size, management demands, connection options and even strategic considerations. The following are the opportunities of businesses:

Retail Colocation: Retail colocation is where one rents out space in a data center by a rack or cabinet. This alternative is appropriate under the circumstance that a business requires less area of presence and demands a fixed power and connectivity requirements.

Wholesale Colocation: Wholesale colocation is the leasing of the larger part of a data centre usually a data hall or a big section of the data hall. This is an economical option to a business that has huge IT infrastructural needs.

Caged Colocation: Caged colocation is a form of colocation that offers an exclusive and contained space on a facility which is a data center. The cage fits the physical security needs and is the additional security even in organisations that have certain security and compliance requirements.

Managed Colocation: In managed colocation, it is the service provider who performs more duties besides the provision of the physical space, power and connection. This could involve the management of the hardware, network monitoring and other managed services and this enables the businesses to concentrate on their core activities.

Cloud Colocation: Cloud colocation imparts traditional colocation services with cloud computing resources. This enables organizations to extend on-premise infrastructure to cloud-based IT environment in a smooth way.

Colocation and Connectivity Services: A few providers will also offer additional connectivity services at the same colocation facility, including e.g. direct interconnections with cloud providers, internet exchanges, or performance network services. This improves business connectivities in general.

Edge Colocation: Edge colocation is used to move the IT infrastructure closer towards end-users or locations and latency can be minimised, which enhances the end-user application and service. This is particularly useful in delivery of content and in low latency applications.

Modular Colocation: Modular colocation is whereby pre-fabricated data center modules are used which are scalable. Such modules allow a fast deployment to match the growing capacity requirements as an efficient and flexible solution.

Hybrid Colocation: Hybrid colocation integrates classic colocation, with other IT infrastructure providers, either cloud services, or on-premises data centers. This enables a business establishment to develop an IT environment that is customised and flexible.

Disaster Recovery (DR) Colocation: Disaster recovery services that offer colocation are ideal because they can give businesses an off-site destination that keeps their key business applications and data safe and copied. This will guarantee continuity of business in an event of a disaster or other un-anticipated disruption.

Question: What is the price of server colocation?

Server colocation prices depend on many aspects including location, space, power and bandwidth demands, redundancy requirements, managed services, security protection and connections, and contract conditions. High-demanding pockets or those with enhanced security and redundancy processes are likely to charge higher rates and other options such as managed support services may add up the prices. The physical space and rack units to be used, amount of power and bandwidth allocations directly have an effect on prices. When selecting a colocation provider, any business should thoroughly consider its own needs and schedule pricing plans of various vendors, taking explicit and implicit fees into account. The most suitable option is to talk to the providers directly and to ask them to provide in-depth quotes specific to the given needs in order to learn the right prices as well as the full range of information

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