Abu dhabi: Khazna Data Centers, a global leader in hyperscale digital infrastructure, today announced the launch of Thuraya, a structured graduate development programme designed in partnership with the International Data Centre Authority (IDCA). The programme aims to prepare early-career talent for roles across engineering, special projects, and Khazna NexOps, the company's in-house organisation for mission-critical data centre operations.
According to Emirates News Agency, Thuraya functions as a finishing school for new graduates, blending technical foundations with supervised, hands-on exposure in data centre environments. Set to run for a full year, the programme supports Khazna's competency-based operating model, where training outcomes are directly tied to operational execution and role readiness. The initiative reinforces Khazna's commitment to maintaining consistent standards and measurable skills development for new joiners.
Mehdi Paryavi, Chairman and CEO of IDCA, emphasized the significance of such programmes in developing operational capability at scale. "Programmes like Thuraya matter because in-house teams are only as strong as the training behind them. This is how you develop consistent standards, reduce operational risk, and build the next generation of leaders for mission-critical infrastructure," he stated.
Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centres, noted that Thuraya represents a practical investment in the individuals who will manage the infrastructure supporting the AI economy. He added that it strengthens Khazna's model by accelerating capability development, embedding a culture of safety and discipline, and ensuring teams are prepared to meet customer service expectations.
The programme includes structured learning modules, evaluations, and applied assignments aligned with real design-build-operate workflows. Participants will progress through core topics such as data centre design, safety practices, operational procedures, and incident readiness. Competence will be validated through assessments before graduates undertake critical tasks.
Gabriella Planojevic, Learning and Talent Management Director at Khazna Data Centres, highlighted the importance of a consistent approach to learning and certification for building in-house capability at scale. "Thuraya helps us attract and develop early-career talent, accelerate readiness, and maintain the high bar required for mission-critical environments," she explained.
Thuraya is part of Khazna's broader commitment to cultivating world-class talent and enhancing operational resilience as AI workloads grow and infrastructure demands increase.