Saudi Arabia
ICS Arabia and XDS to deliver immersion-cooled data centres in Saudi Arabia
ICS Arabia has partnered with XDS, a UK and UAE-based company, to build two state-of-the-art, immersion-cooled data centres in Saudi Arabia, including a 10MW facility in Riyadh, set for completion by June 2026. The project, led by ICS subsidiary Desert Dragon Data Centers, marks a major step toward advanced digital infrastructure in the Kingdom. XDS will operate the facility for 15 years, highlighting a shift from traditional air-cooled systems to more efficient liquid immersion cooling. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritises digital transformation and economic diversification…Read more
MIS signs framework deal to add 112MW to data centre capacity
Saudi Arabia’s Al Moammar Information Systems Company (MIS) has signed a framework agreement with Saudi Data Centre Fund 1, managed by Saudi Fransi Capital, to expand its data centre infrastructure by up to 112MW. MIS is already overseeing the design and construction of an initial 32MW phase and serves as the exclusive leasing agent and facilities manager for all six data centres owned by the Fund. The 36-month expansion project underscores MIS’s growing role in advancing the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure, with project value to be confirmed upon receipt of development notices…Read more
Qatar
Meeza signs 4MW hosting agreement with major hyperscaler
Qatar-based data centre firm Meeza has signed a long-term hosting agreement with a major, undisclosed global hyperscaler to provide 4MW of capacity, valued at QAR 350 million ($96Mn). The deal leverages Meeza’s recent 4MW expansion across its facilities and will span over ten years. Meeza CEO Mohamed Ali Al-Ghaithani highlighted the agreement as a key step in advancing Qatar’s digital transformation across various sectors, including government, finance, healthcare, and AI. With five operational data centres and a recent IPO, Meeza continues to solidify its role as a strategic digital enabler in the region…Read more
Ooredoo launches AI cloud in Qatar
Qatari telecom giant Ooredoo has launched a new AI cloud platform powered by Nvidia Hopper GPUs, hosted locally within Qatar-based data centres. While specific chip models and quantities remain undisclosed, the offering, supported by Nvidia’s AI Enterprise platform, aims to drive innovation and economic growth across sectors. Operated by Syntys, Ooredoo’s recently spun-off data centre arm backed by Iron Mountain, the platform positions Qatar as a rising regional AI hub. Syntys plans to scale its capacity to over 120MW, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to digital transformation and AI leadership…Read more
Oman
Oman completes 3G network switch-off
Oman has officially completed its nationwide shutdown of 3G services, reallocating the spectrum to bolster 4G, 5G, and IoT networks. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) began phasing out 3G in late 2023, starting in less populated areas. While a few stations remain active near Muscat International Airport for technical reasons, the transition is largely complete. With 4G now covering 99% and 5G reaching 90% of the population, the move enhances connectivity, supports advanced technologies, and has already led to energy savings of over two million kilowatt-hours annually…Read more
Commerce Ministry launches several digital platforms for empowering investors
Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is accelerating its digital transformation through a suite of platforms aimed at simplifying business procedures, boosting investment, and supporting local industries. Key tools like “Invest Easy,” “Made in Oman,” and “Oman Exports” streamline licensing, promote national products, and connect exporters to global markets. The AI-enabled “Know Your Customer” service allows remote investor onboarding, while platforms like “Hazm” and “Maʿruf Oman” enhance product quality and trust in e-commerce. These initiatives, backed by data integration, digital infrastructure, and youth-driven employment, are positioning Oman as a digitally empowered, investment-ready economy aligned with its diversification goals…Read more
Middle East
du and Omantel activate submarine cable linking UAE and Oman
Telecom operators du and Omantel have launched the Oman Emirates Gateway (OEG), a 275km international fibre optic submarine cable system enhancing digital connectivity between the UAE and Oman. The system links three major data centres, Datamena DX1 in Dubai, Equinix MC1 in Barka, and Equinix SN1 in Salalah, and offers dual-route resilience via both terrestrial and subsea paths. Designed to boost cloud access and data centre interconnectivity, OEG marks a significant milestone in regional digital infrastructure. The project complements broader Oman-UAE collaborations, including the Hafeet Rail and Gulf electricity interconnection initiatives…Read more