Data Centre Preconstruction Services Saudi Arabia
Optimar Precon supports contractors delivering Saudi Arabia’s data centre build-out with data centre preconstruction services: BoQs in SAR, MEP takeoff and BIM coordination aligned to the Saudi Building Code.
Saudi programmes move fast and at national scale, so we plan long-lead equipment, power strategy and phasing into the estimate from day one.
Send Your Saudi Project
Share the city or region, project stage, trades and deadline. We will reply with scope, fee and timing.
Group-wide figures across all Optimar Precon services.
Why Saudi Data Centre Preconstruction Is Different
Saudi Arabia’s national data centre strategy targets around 1.5 GW of capacity by 2030, as part of Vision 2030 digital transformation.
National-Scale Programmes
Large campuses delivered in repeated phases, where consistent estimating across buildings matters.
Multiple Power Routes
Grid supply, behind-the-meter generation, hybrid arrangements and green PPAs each change the electrical scope.
Water-Efficient Cooling
Low-water-intensity and closed-loop cooling systems are favoured where feasible.
Data Residency Rules
Localisation and cyber standards make secure handling of project data essential.
How Power Supply Choices Change the Estimate
Grid connection, capacity allocation and tariffs are set through SERA and the Ministry of Energy. The chosen supply route decides what the contractor builds.
| Power route | What it means on site | What we price |
|---|---|---|
| Grid supply | Connection through the national utility network | Substation, HV and MV switchgear, metering and connection works |
| Behind-the-meter generation | Dedicated on-site power plant for the data centre | Generation plant, fuel systems, exhaust, controls and interconnection |
| Hybrid | Grid supply backed by on-site generation | Both scopes, with interface and protection packages |
| Green PPA or certificates | Renewable supply procured off site | Metering and interface scope; no on-site plant |
Where on-site generation is part of the scope, we estimate it as its own set of packages so it can be tendered and programmed separately from the data halls.
Saudi Building Code and Estimate Format
| Area | Reference | How we deliver it |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Saudi Building Code SBC 401 | Electrical scope priced to SBC 401 requirements |
| Fire protection | SBC 801 and Civil Defense approval | Suppression and detection scope to Civil Defense requirements |
| Energy conservation | SBC 601 | Envelope and MEP efficiency measures carried as cost items |
| Measurement | POMI, NRM or client format | BoQs in the specified format, in SAR |
| Documents | English, with Arabic where required | Deliverables in English; bilingual titles on request |
Long-Lead Equipment, Planned Into the Estimate
Transformers, switchgear, generators and cooling plant are the main schedule risks on Saudi data centres. Our estimates flag them early.
Transformers
Ratings, quantities and delivery assumptions listed so procurement can start from the estimate.
Switchgear
MV and LV lineups priced by section, with quote leveling across suppliers.
Generators
Standby or prime generation counted by rating, with enclosures and fuel systems.
Cooling Plant
Chillers and CRAH units sized for high ambient conditions and priced with alternates.
Early Procurement Packages
Long-lead items grouped into packages that can be released before the main tender.
Phased Delivery
Equipment mapped to build phases so cash flow and programme line up.
Service details: construction estimating, quantity takeoff, BIM services, shop drawings, dedicated professionals.
Starting a Saudi Data Centre Programme?
Send the location, phase plan and documents, and we will scope estimating, takeoff and BIM support for each stage.
Saudi Data Centre Projects Shaping Demand
Saudi campuses are now being planned at gigawatt scale, with major grid infrastructure delivered as enabling works.
Multi-Gigawatt AI Campus
East Riyadh- Scale
- 6 GW campus on a 24 sq km site, built in two phases across six 1 GW plots
- Status (September 2026)
- Enabling infrastructure contract awarded
- Power infrastructure
- 380 kV, 132 kV and 33 kV networks with a 2,000 MVA bulk supply point
Preconstruction takeaway: enabling works such as HV networks and bulk supply points are tendered before the data halls, so estimates are needed early and in separate packages.
Anonymized examples of publicly reported Saudi projects, shown for market context. These are not Optimar Precon projects, and figures may have changed since the dates shown.
Saudi Arabia Data Centre Preconstruction: FAQs
What is driving data centre construction in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s national data centre strategy, part of Vision 2030, targets around 1.5 GW of capacity by 2030. Demand comes from cloud, AI and government digital services, with large campuses in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and the Western Region.
Which building codes apply to Saudi data centre MEP?
Electrical work follows the Saudi Building Code SBC 401, fire protection follows SBC 801 with Civil Defense approval, and energy conservation follows SBC 601. We set up estimates to the code editions specified for your project.
How does the power supply route change the estimate?
Grid supply needs substation and connection works, behind-the-meter generation adds a dedicated power plant, and hybrid schemes need both plus interface packages. We price the route chosen for your site, separately from the data halls.
Which BoQ format do you use for Saudi tenders?
We follow the consultant or client format, commonly POMI, NRM or a client template, with rates and totals in SAR and deliverables in English.
How do you manage long-lead equipment risk?
Transformers, switchgear, generators and chillers are listed with ratings, quantities and delivery assumptions, and grouped into early procurement packages that can be released before the main tender.
How is project data protected for Saudi projects?
NDAs are signed before documents are shared, access is limited to named team members, and Optimar Precon is certified to ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701, which supports clients with data residency and cyber obligations.
Build Saudi Data Centres on a Solid Cost Base
Estimates and models that plan power, equipment and phasing for national-scale programmes.