Data Centers in Yemen
1 locations found
Need Help?
Tell us about your needs and our team of experts will help you find and choose the perfect Data Center and solution at the best price.
Yemen – Frontier Market with Core Infrastructure
Yemen presents an exceptionally challenging environment for digital infrastructure, primarily suited for specialized non-governmental, governmental, and telecommunication entities requiring in-country data residency. The market is defined by its nascent state and the operational complexities of a post-conflict region, making it a high-risk, high-necessity location for a very specific user base. Success depends on self-sufficient power and robust physical security.
Yemen: At A Glance
| Factor | Rating / Data | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global Connectivity Grade | B | Submarine cable landings provide international bandwidth, but terrestrial networks are underdeveloped. |
| Direct Cloud On-Ramps | 0 – as of September 2025 | Nearest hubs are in Muscat, Oman and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. |
| Power Cost | ~$0.18 - $0.25/kWh | Based on regional diesel generation costs; grid power is unreliable. |
| Disaster Risk | Very High (8.2/10) | Elevated risk from natural hazards, compounded by infrastructure and institutional fragility. |
| Tax Incentives | Yes | Exemptions from import tariffs and VAT on production equipment and DC services. |
| Sales Tax | 5% VAT (estimate) | The application of a standard 5% VAT is likely, as of September 2025. |
Network & Connectivity Ecosystem
Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality: Carrier density is limited, with fewer than 10 significant providers active in the market as of September 2025. True carrier neutrality is not yet a feature of this market; interconnection is typically managed through direct arrangements with the incumbent provider.
Direct Cloud On-Ramps: There are no direct cloud on-ramps in Yemen. Access to public cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure requires routing traffic internationally to the nearest hubs in Oman or Saudi Arabia. Establishing private network extensions is possible but logistically complex.
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): There are no public Internet Exchange Points currently active in Yemen. Peering is handled privately between service providers, which can impact latency and routing efficiency within the country.
Bare Metal: Bare metal server availability is extremely limited and typically sourced through international providers who can ship hardware to the region. Providers like Hivelocity or OVHcloud may offer solutions, but local deployment and support present significant hurdles.
Power Analysis
Average Cost Of Power: Expect industrial power costs to range from approximately $0.18 to $0.25/kWh as of September 2025. This pricing reflects an almost complete reliance on diesel generators for primary and backup power, as the national grid is unreliable and experiences frequent, prolonged outages. The high cost of fuel directly impacts operational expenses.
Power Grid Reliability: The national power grid is not reliable for mission-critical operations. Any data center deployment requires fully redundant, on-site power generation systems capable of continuous operation. The public infrastructure cannot be depended upon for uptime.
Market Access, Business & Tax Climate
Proximity To Key Business Districts: The single data center is located in Sana'a, the capital and primary economic hub. This location serves government ministries, telecommunication companies, and international NGOs operating within the country.
Regional Market Reach: Given the security and infrastructure challenges, Yemen's digital market exclusively serves in-country needs. It does not function as a hub for reaching broader regional markets in the Horn of Africa or the Arabian Peninsula.
Tax Advantage For Data Centers: The government offers targeted incentives to encourage infrastructure investment. These include exemptions from customs duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported equipment and services essential for building and operating data centers.
Natural Disaster Risk
Yemen has a Very High natural disaster risk profile, with an overall INFORM risk score of 8.2 out of 10 as of September 2025. The risk is amplified by the country's limited coping capacity and high vulnerability.
The primary natural hazards include:
- River Flood: Score of 6.0, indicating significant risk in flood-prone areas.
- Coastal Flood: Score of 4.8, affecting the country's extensive coastline.
- Drought: Score of 4.3, posing a persistent threat to water resources and agriculture.
- Tsunami: Score of 3.6, a moderate risk for coastal population centers.
- Tropical Cyclone: Score of 3.5, with seasonal cyclones impacting southern and eastern governorates.
