AWS tells clients to leave Middle East data centers after Iran drone strikes
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Amazon Web Services has told customers to move data out of its Abu Dhabi and Bahrain data centers, more than six months after Iranian drone strikes damaged them. The company offered no timeline for restoring service at either location. The move comes as the United Arab Emirates considers building underground data centers.
Key Facts
- AWS has told customers to move data out of its Abu Dhabi and Bahrain data centers more than six months after Iranian drone strikes.
- The Bahraini data center was later struck by cruise missiles, and Iranian state media claimed it had been destroyed.
- AWS offered no timeline for restoring service at either location.
- The United Arab Emirates is considering building underground data centers.
The Attacks
Iranian drone strikes hit AWS data centers in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain more than six months ago. The attacks followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026. Months later, the Bahraini data center was struck by cruise missiles. Iranian state media claimed the Bahraini facility had been destroyed.
AWS Response
AWS has now told customers to move their data to facilities in other regions. The company continues repairs on the damaged data centers. AWS stopped short of offering a timeline for when either location will be back online.
UAE Underground Plans
The United Arab Emirates is considering building underground data centers. The consideration comes as AWS advises clients to leave the region.
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