Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in partnership with Microsoft have announced the launch of the country’s first hyperscale cloud datacentre region.
Launched at an event held under the patronage of Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, the Microsoft cloud datacentre region in Qatar joins the world’s largest cloud infrastructure footprint, significantly enhancing Qatar’s competitiveness on a global and regional level in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and increasing the country’s position as a leader in the digital era.
The launch of the Microsoft cloud datacentre region in Qatar was recently announced during a special celebratory event entitled “Qatar’s Digital Journey into the Future”, in the presence of esteemed ministers and high-level private sector executives, as well as Microsoft’s global and regional executives.
Key impact
The Microsoft cloud datacentre region in Qatar will have a significant impact on the development of the local economy and support the country’s efforts to diversify its economy, build talent and attract foreign investment
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Al Mannai said: "The launch of the Data Centre is considered an important milestone in the process of transforming Qatar into an advanced and pioneering digital centre in the Middle East and the world. This journey was inspired by the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to establish a diversified and competitive national economy.”
He continued: "These pioneering projects in the field of digital transformation, communications and information technology would not have been achieved without the ambitions of the country's wise leadership and its vision to this vital sector, believing in its crucial role in the development of other economic sectors. Legislative and legal regulation of the sector and enhance its attractiveness.”
Cloud workloads
Businesses of all sizes and industries can now host their cloud workloads in Microsoft’s Qatar datacentre, availing enterprise-grade reliability and performance. Customers can begin leveraging Microsoft Azure to develop advanced applications using AI, data and analytics, IoT and hybrid capabilities with advanced digital security and more, as well as Microsoft 365, the world’s productivity cloud that delivers best-of-breed productivity apps delivered seamlessly through cloud services.
With over 100 compliance offerings – the broadest set of compliance offerings and programs of any public cloud provider – the Microsoft cloud significantly empowers customers to meet local compliance and policy requirements. This includes the National Information Assurance Certification issued by the National Cyber Security Agency, which Microsoft received earlier this year.
President of Microsoft EMEA, Ralph Haupter stated: “Across Qatar, Microsoft customers are already leveraging our trusted cloud to innovate, achieve their business goals and do more with less. We are proud to deliver the first hyperscale cloud datacentre region to the country, which will significantly amplify opportunities for even more transformation.”
“With its longstanding history as an early adopter of technology, Qatar has completely embraced cloud solutions and revolutionised entire industries to develop a new, advanced digital economy. Today’s announcement will enable the country to take these groundbreaking innovations to the world, showcase its standing as a leader in digital transformation and cement its place as a global hub for innovation,” said Lana Khalaf, Microsoft Country Manager.
Meeting customers’ demand
Microsoft customers across industries, including the Ministry of Communication and Information technology through its national initiatives such as TASMU PLATFORM, and Qatar Digital Government, as well as the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, and many others, have already embraced the Microsoft Cloud to develop digital capabilities and innovate in their industries.
In 2021, MCIT partnered with a global consortium of partners led by Ooredoo to bring to life the TASMU Platform, a one-of-a-kind, ground-breaking, smart city solution. Microsoft has played a vital role as a global technology enabler throughout this collaboration.
“In our continued, unwavering efforts to build a Smart Qatar that is digitally-powered and innovation-driven, we are committed to harnessing the power of integrated cloud-based technologies to offer endless potential value to the people of Qatar,” said Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development at MCIT.
Delivering new opportunities
The Microsoft cloud datacentre region Qatar will drive growth and scale for the more than 100 Microsoft partners in the country, as well as global partners looking to establish themselves in the country. Microsoft partners such as EY, Ooredoo, Vodafone, QDS, PWC, ICT, Malomatia, Intel, Mannai, Meeza, Starlink, Veeam and more, are delivering transformative solutions across the Microsoft Cloud to drive customer success.
More than 70% of Qatari Startups are on the Microsoft Founders hub. These startups have the potential to go on and become the next unicorns of their industries. Also a minimum of 11 global partners and ISV established operations in Qatar last year alone.
IDC’s research also sheds light on downstream revenues generated by Microsoft’s partner ecosystem. The findings reveal that for every $1 of Microsoft cloud-generated revenue, the partner ecosystem is expected to generate $7.87 by 2026, up from $6.41 by 2023.-- TradeArabia News Service