As 2025 comes to a close, Tim Hickinbottom, Head of Strategic Accounts at Datalec Precision Installations (DPI), is reflecting on a milestone year both personally and professionally. With nearly four decades in the digital infrastructure and technology sector, Hickinbottom’s perspective offers insight into how experience, adaptability, and long-term vision continue to shape growth in an evolving industry.
A Career Built on Experience and Adaptability
Hickinbottom’s career began in 1986 at Compucorp and includes formative years in the Royal Navy and with British Aerospace in Saudi Arabia. These early experiences helped shape a leadership approach grounded in resilience, discipline, and adaptability. These are qualities that remain critical as data center and mission-critical services grow more complex and globally connected.
A Defining Year
In 2025, DPI sustained its year-on-year growth while expanding into new regions. The launch of operations in APAC, continued momentum in the Middle East, and steady growth across Europe marked one of the company’s busiest periods to date. By year-end, DPI expects to operate 23 entities worldwide, with further expansion already underway.
According to Hickinbottom, this progress reflects both strong market demand and a deliberate strategy focused on operational discipline and long-term stability.
Strategy, Engagement, and Sustainability
Behind the visible growth is a leadership team focused on reinvestment and sustainable expansion. While much of this work occurs behind the scenes, evolving strategies and internal alignment are shaping DPI’s direction.
Throughout the year, DPI reinforced its global presence at major industry events including Datacentre World and GITEX conferences across multiple regions. At the same time, the company advanced its sustainability efforts, earning recognition from CDP and EcoVadis and preparing to share its Science Based Targets.
“These initiatives matter deeply to our clients and partners,” Hickinbottom notes, emphasizing accountability and environmental stewardship as core elements of industry leadership.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As DPI looks toward 2026, Hickinbottom remains optimistic about the challenges and opportunities ahead. With hard work embedded in the company’s culture and a clear focus on innovation, DPI is positioned to continue supporting data center operators and digital infrastructure stakeholders worldwide.
“Work should be enjoyable,” Hickinbottom reflects. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
To explore Hickinbottom’s full reflections on 2025 and his perspective on the year ahead, read the complete blog on Datalec Precision Installations’ website here.
As the Middle East accelerates toward becoming a global digital hub, Datalec Precision Installations (DPI) is emerging as one of the most influential players shaping the region’s next generation of data center capacity. From rapid growth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to its strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia, DPI is building not only facilities, but long-term regional capability, technical leadership, and a sustainable supply chain that aligns with the Gulf’s digital ambitions.
A Growing Footprint in the UAE
DPI’s presence in the UAE has expanded quickly. What began with a small local team has evolved into a 51,000 square foot regional headquarters in Dubai that combines manufacturing, training, a marketing suite, and operational support. The company is approaching 100,000 man hours without a major incident and continues to deliver high value projects across Abu Dhabi and the broader region.
This growth is reinforced by DPI’s strong engagement with the regional ecosystem, including industry events, solution showcases, and ongoing collaboration with operators and integrators.
Saudi Arabia Becomes the Next Major Hub
DPI’s new office in Dammam is nearing completion and will formalize its expansion into Saudi Arabia. The move aligns with the Kingdom’s fast growing data center market, which is projected to surpass US$6 billion by 2027. DPI’s in region leadership brings extensive experience in grey space integration, lifecycle services, facilities management, and technical fit outs, enabling the company to support large scale digital development plans across the country.
Moving Beyond Whitespace to a Full Service Partner
Although known for whitespace delivery, DPI’s capabilities span the entire data center lifecycle. The company manages grey space technical fit outs, maintenance and lifecycle services, secure migrations, operational support, and bespoke technical installations. These end to end capabilities allow operators to scale efficiently as AI, cloud, and government digital programs accelerate.
DPI’s Dubai facility also reflects an ESG focused approach to manufacturing. The site is powered by a rooftop solar array, sources most materials from local suppliers, and uses waste reducing production methods that support both environmental goals and regional supply chain resilience.
With demand rising for high density, AI ready environments, DPI continues to invest in modular, high load, and custom infrastructure solutions. Its Hyperion Ceiling System and in house cabinet manufacturing capabilities enable faster deployment and greater adaptability across diverse regional projects.
Looking Ahead
Sean Christie, DPI’s Regional Director for the Middle East, notes that the company’s growth reflects both market momentum and long term commitment.
“As the Middle East continues to position itself as a global digital hub, DPI is committed to being part of that journey for the long term. We are laying the foundation for a smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable digital future.”
With expanding operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and a model centered on sustainability, local capability, and technical excellence, DPI is well positioned to support the region’s next phase of digital infrastructure development.
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