Middle East Data Centers Face Water Crisis as AI Boom Fuels Construction Surge

03 Jul 2025 • 4 min read

Anna Fischer

Construction Content Writer

The Middle East is rapidly advancing toward a digital future, with data center construction booming to meet the growing demands of AI and cloud computing. But in one of the world’s driest regions, a critical challenge threatens this growth: water scarcity.

As capacity is set to triple by 2030, experts urge developers to prioritize smart water design from the construction phase to ensure the region's technological ambitions are met.

Water Scarcity Threatens Digital Growth

It's a known fact that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region holds just 1.4% of the world’s renewable freshwater while supporting 6.3% of its population.^[?]

Data centers, vital for powering AI and digital infrastructure, rely heavily on water for their cooling systems to keep servers operational. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy are driving investment. However the region’s water constraints demand immediate attention.

Processing 20–50 AI queries consumes about half a liter of water and across millions of daily interactions, this adds up fast which is striking. By 2030, water use for AI and computing infrastructure could rival the annual drinking water needs of the entire U.S. population, according to industry projections.

Water as a Strategic Priority

Water must be treated as a critical asset, not an afterthought. Here’s why smart water management is essential for data centers:

Economic impact. The World Economic Forum estimates that water shortages could reduce MENA’s GDP by 6-14% by 2050, threatening business sustainability.^[?]
Operational stability. Facilities designed for water efficiency can operate reliably despite scarce resources.
Sustainability goals. Reducing water use lowers energy costs and emissions, aligning with regional environmental targets.

Historically, water’s low cost created a false sense of abundance. But with availability, quality, regulation, and reputation at stake, ignoring water risks could jeopardize operations.

The Moment to Act for Construction

The design and construction phase is the best time to embed water efficiency. Early planning secures long-term savings and avoids expensive retrofits. Smart choices during this stage include:

Selecting cooling systems tailored to local water quality and availability.
Incorporating reclaimed or alternative water sources into designs.
Optimizing layouts to cut water and energy consumption.
Building flexibility to adapt to evolving environmental regulations.

Using less water also reduces the energy needed for cooling and transport, lowering costs and emissions in one move.

Technology Drives Efficiency

While technology fuels water demand, it also offers solutions. Advanced digital systems monitor usage, detect leaks, and optimize efficiency in real time.

Ecolab’s 3D TRASAR technology uses sensors and controllers to monitor and automate water management in industries such as power, healthcare, and petrochemicals, optimizing both water quality and usage. In 2023, it helped clients save 226 billion gallons of water and reduce GHG emissions by 3.8 million metric tons, with a goal of saving 300 billion gallons annually by 2030.

These tools enable operators to balance performance with sustainability, meeting the expectations of investors and regulators.

Securing a Digital Future

As the Middle East solidifies its role as a global tech hub, water-efficient data centers will lead the way. Reducing water use not only reduces costs and emissions but also aligns with national goals for sustainable growth. With construction surging, decisions made today will determine whether these facilities can thrive in one of the planet’s most water-stressed regions.

Anna Fischer

Construction Content Writer

Anna has background in IT companies and has written numerous articles on technology topics.

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