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Gujarat's Digital Leap: How a Rs 1,317 Crore UAE Deal Boosts AI and Jobs

The Gujarat government has inked a significant deal with a Sharjah-based company to boost its digital infrastructure. This project involves building a massive data cable landing station with an investment of over thirteen hundred crore rupees. It's expected to create a substantial number of jobs and position Gujarat as a key hub for global data traffic. State leaders believe this will accelerate the growth of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence within the region.

Key Points: Gujarat Govt Signs MoU with Sharjah's Henox IT for Data Centre

  • MoU aims to establish a major data cable landing station in Dhuvaran, Anand district
  • Project promises over 1,300 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the state
  • Initiative seeks to accelerate growth of AI, machine learning, and startup ecosystems
  • The centre will serve as a backbone for high-bandwidth applications required for smart cities
2 min read

Gujarat govt signs MoU with Sharjah's Henox IT and Data Centres

Gujarat signs MoU with UAE's Henox IT for a Rs 1,317 crore data cable landing station in Anand, aiming to boost AI, create 1300+ jobs, and strengthen digital infrastructure.

"Gujarat will become an essential gateway for global data traffic, thereby strengthening the nation’s digital independence. - Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel"

Gandhinagar, December 11

The Gujarat government on Thursday signed MoUs with Sharjah's Henox IT & Data Centres Pvt Ltd in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in Gandhinagar, a press release from the CMO said.

The move aims to make Gujarat the destination of choice for hyperscale and enterprise data centres by increasing data centre and IT infrastructure development in the state.

This Data Cable Landing Station Project, with a potential investment of approximately Rs 1317 crore, will be established in Dhuvaran, Anand District, and will create over 1,300 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

According to the CMO, after signing the MoU at the Regional AI Impact Conference in Gandhinagar, Henox IT's CEO, Masood M. Sharif Mahmood and Rasheed Al Ali, along with Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India, held a meeting with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and the Minister of Science and Technology.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this CLS project will accelerate the growth of AI, machine learning, startup platforms, and the GCC ecosystem in Gujarat through faster, stronger international connectivity in the coming days.

He stated during the meeting that Gujarat will become an essential gateway for global data traffic, thereby strengthening the nation's digital independence.

The CEO of Henox IT & Data Centres highlighted the significance of this cable landing station, noting that it will serve as an essential gateway connecting India to global internet infrastructure. The centre will also serve as a backbone for high-bandwidth applications required for smart cities.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, Jayanti Ravi; the Principal Secretary of the Industries Department, Mamta Verma; the Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Avantika Singh; the Secretary, Vikrant Pandey; and the Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, P. Bharathi, the press release stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great step for digital independence. Connecting directly to global internet infrastructure will reduce latency and boost AI/ML startups here. Gujarat is really becoming a hub. But I hope the environmental impact in Dhuvaran is properly assessed before construction.
R
Rohit P
Rs 1300+ crore investment is no joke! This shows the confidence international players have in 'Made in Gujarat'. Stronger UAE ties are always good for business. Expecting lower data costs and better connectivity for us end-users soon! 🤞
M
Michael C
As someone working in IT, this is a significant infrastructure development. A cable landing station is the foundation. It will make Gujarat attractive for hyperscalers. Hope the skilled jobs go to local talent and not just imported expertise.
S
Shreya B
Good move, but the government must ensure transparency. MoUs are signed with much fanfare, but we need to see the ground reality. Will the project be completed on time? Will the promised employment truly benefit the local youth? Accountability is key.
K
Karthik V
Backbone for smart cities! This is the kind of forward-thinking we need. Faster international data pipes mean our tech companies can compete globally from Gujarat itself. Jai Hind! 🚀

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