As the UAE accelerates toward digital leadership, the construction of large-scale data centres has become central to national infrastructure priorities.
These aren’t conventional builds, they’re mission-critical facilities engineered for 24/7 uptime, ultra-efficient energy use, and seamless scalability. Enabling this future isn’t just about building quickly, it’s about building intelligently.
This article explores how leading cost managers and project managers enable the successful execution of high-performance data centres, and why their expertise is non-negotiable in this new digital era.
From The Minds of Cost Managers,
Every data centre project begins with strategic cost thinking, not spreadsheet management, but lifecycle-informed financial leadership. The role of the project cost manager is to shape the commercial framework from concept to completion with good advice and strategic insights to make the project way better.
1. Lifecycle Cost Leadership
High-efficiency cooling, backup power systems, battery storage, solar integration, these are not add-ons, they’re baseline features. Cost experts:
- Model total cost of ownership from Day 1.
- Advise clients on CAPEX vs OPEX trade-offs to maximise ROI.
- Validate supplier technologies against cost, performance, and sustainability benchmarks.
2. Real-Time Market Intelligence
With MEP and ICT systems often consuming 60–70% of total spend, live cost benchmarking capability gives clients global leverage:
- Procurement strategies driven by up-to-date regional and international pricing.
- Supplier vetting that prevents inflated costs and delivery risks.
- Commercial clarity that supports confident board-level investment decisions.
3. Escalation and Risk Control
With data centre construction influenced by global supply chain turbulence, escalation isn’t an exception, it’s expected. Risk-adjusted escalation models must be embedded into every cost plan and procurement framework.
From the Minds of Project Managers,
Project managers drive integrated delivery frameworks designed around agility, accountability, and interface control.
1. Speed-to-Market Through Parallel Execution
Meeting hyperscale demands requires fast-tracking that aligns design, procurement, and construction from Day 1:
- Leading early contractor engagement and phased procurement.
- Sequencing early works and infrastructure packages before full design lock-in.
- Building collaborative models that reduce programme friction and authority bottlenecks.
2. Digital Delivery Integration
Digital twins, BIM, and federated models are essential tools:
- Resolving clashes before they hit the site.
- Aligning MEP and ICT installation sequences.
- Using digital mock-ups to accelerate testing and commissioning cycles.
3. Total Interface Management
Power authorities. Telecom providers. Civil defence. Fibre suppliers. Every delay is expensive. Project managers:
- Set interface protocols from project inception.
- Run change governance models to mitigate rework.
- Secure authority permits in parallel to site works.
Integrated Cost & Programme Leadership
Data centre delivery depends on the seamless collaboration between smart cost consultants and excellent project managers. Programme risks must align with cash flow forecasts. Design changes must be quantified in real time. Procurement decisions must support both technical and commercial requirements.
When these two disciplines work in lockstep from pre-contract through commissioning, the result is not just a completed facility, but a high-performing, commercially viable digital asset.
Conclusion
As digital infrastructure becomes the bedrock of economic competitiveness, construction consultancies must evolve beyond traditional roles. True leadership means shaping outcomes all financially, operationally, and strategically.
At Stonehaven, we are proud to bring that level of leadership to complex, mission-critical data centre projects across the Middle East and beyond turning AI ambitions into infrastructure built to last.
