Why Eaton's Dubai Hub is Good News for Data Centre Industry

Intelligent power management company Eaton has commenced construction on an advanced manufacturing and engineering centre  in Dubai, which will boost production and supply of data centre components.

The facility is set to open in 2026 and will enhance Eaton's capacity to produce critical electrical and electronic components for sectors including data centres, commercial buildings and utilities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The development is a partnership with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the flagship free zone of DP World.

The facility will incorporate 20 Industry 4.0 technologies and is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification for its sustainable construction and operational processes.

The project is expected to create 700 jobs and will feature centres for advanced manufacturing, engineering, customer experience, innovation and training.

Advanced manufacturing and regional growth

This new 36,000-square-metre factory represents a multi-million-dollar investment and a major expansion of Eaton's presence in the region. Eaton stated the project is “transformative” and that it will “champion sustainability”.

The development aligns with Dubai’s D33 strategy, which aims to foster high-tech industrial growth and establish the city as a global centre for manufacturing and innovation.

The creation of over 700 jobs includes positions for highly skilled research engineering and advanced manufacturing roles designed to support Eaton's customer base across the EMEA region.

Eaton makes products for the data centre, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets.

Its 2024 revenue was nearly US$25bn and the company serves customers in more than 160 countries.

Paulo Ruiz, CEO of Eaton, commented on how the project aligns with the objectives of both the company and the Dubai government.

Paulo says: “Our latest advanced, sustainable manufacturing facility and engineering centre will further enable Eaton to meet the growing demand to deliver power safely, sustainably and efficiently across the region and beyond.

"We are proud to work alongside DP World and Jafza to align with the Dubai government’s vision of accelerating sustainable industrial growth in the region, positioning the nation as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.”

Dubai's economic development and infrastructure

The investment from Eaton could be seen to reinforce Dubai's position as a destination for advanced manufacturing.

This growth is supported by skilled talent, research and development investment and the development of next-generation automated factories.

The facility’s design incorporates renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient processes reflecting the sustainability goals of Eaton, Jafza and Dubai.

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, says: “Eaton’s investment reinforces Dubai’s emergence as a global centre for advanced manufacturing, powered by high-skilled talent, R&D investment and next-generation automated factories.

"We welcome the continued confidence shown by global manufacturing champions like Eaton, reflecting the opportunities Dubai provides through world-class infrastructure, a pro-business environment and exceptional talent, building a future-ready industrial ecosystem that positions Dubai at the forefront of global innovation.”

Jafza's strategic importance to the industry

Jafza plays a crucial part in furthering Dubai's industrial expansion. According to official figures, the manufacturing sector contributed over AED 37.6 billion to the GDP in 2024.

With the Dubai Industrial Strategy targeting a further US$5 billion industrial boost by 2030, developments like Eaton’s new facility are essential to achieving this goal.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlights Jafza's contribution.

He says: “We’re proud to welcome Eaton to Jafza as part of Dubai’s push to lead in advanced manufacturing. The sector contributed over AED 37.6 billion dirhams to GDP in 2024, and with the Dubai Industrial Strategy targeting a US$5bn industrial boost by 2030, projects like this are essential. Jafza’s infrastructure and connectivity will help Eaton drive efficiency, innovation and sustainability.”

Jafza is home to 10,890 multinational companies and provides a multi-modal hub with sea, air and land connectivity, giving businesses access to a market of over 3.5 billion people.