Alice Chambers |
Microsoft has launched a new data centre region in Qatar to provide faster and more reliable Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 services for businesses operating in the country.
With the new data centre region, customers can begin to leverage Microsoft Azure to develop advanced applications using artificial intelligence, data and analytics, the internet of things, hybrid capabilities, and more.
Microsoft partners such as EY, Ooredoo, Vodafone, QDS, PWC, ICT, Malomatia, Intel, Mannai, Meeza, Starlink and Veeam are delivering transformative solutions across the Microsoft Cloud to drive customer success. Microsoft’s new region will help companies such as these to support cloud-based technology.
“The launch of the data centre today is considered an important milestone in the process of transforming the State of Qatar into an advanced and pioneering digital centre in the Middle East and the world,” said His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar’s minister of communications and information technology at the opening ceremony. “This journey was inspired by the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to establish a diversified and competitive national economy.
“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.”
Microsoft is also planning to equip over 50,000 people in Qatar with digital skills through its National Skilling Program over the next four years.
“Microsoft has more data centre regions than any other cloud provider and today we are proud to deliver the first hyperscale cloud data centre region to Qatar,” said Ralph Haupter, president of Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa. “This development will increase opportunities for organisations of all sizes and across all sectors to leverage our trusted cloud to innovate, better serve their customers and achieve their business goals – ultimately supporting continued economic growth that benefits all residents.”
Lana Khalaf, general manager of Microsoft Qatar, said: “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 Qatar’s place as a global hub for innovation.”