Qatar
MoCI launches AI-powered virtual assistants as part of partnership with Microsoft
Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has launched two AI-powered virtual assistants – the ‘Smart Assistant’ and ‘Saif’ – as part of its strategic partnership with Microsoft. This initiative falls under the Ministry’s broader efforts to advance digital transformation and enhance the quality of government services provided to the public…Read more
Vodafone Qatar Partners with Nokia for Nationwide 5G Network Modernisation
Vodafone Qatar has signed an agreement with Nokia to lead a nationwide network modernisation, aiming to deliver faster, more secure, and agile 5G services across the country. This initiative will enhance network capacity, reduce latency, and introduce automation and advanced security features, preparing the network for future digital innovations. The collaboration supports Qatar’s growing ICT sector, projected to expand at 8.5% annually through 2030, and aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030. Using Nokia’s end-to-end technology and multi-cloud core solutions, Vodafone Qatar will improve both consumer and enterprise services, including advanced fibre, mobile, and 5G slicing capabilities. This transformation reinforces Vodafone Qatar’s commitment to digital innovation and positions it as a regional leader in telecom infrastructure and services…Read more
UAE
Further details announced on the Stargate UAE data centre
While initial reports about the project were released earlier this month, the companies behind the UAE–US AI campus have now shared further details. The consortium, which includes G42, Cisco, Nvidia, Oracle, SoftBank Group, and OpenAI, has announced the launch of Stargate UAE, a next-generation AI infrastructure cluster that will operate within the newly established 5GW UAE–US AI campus in Abu Dhabi.
Stargate UAE, a 1GW compute cluster, will be built by G42, operated by OpenAI and Oracle, and will house Nvidia’s latest Grace Blackwell GB300 systems. This marks the first partnership under OpenAI for Countries, a new global initiative aimed at helping international governments build sovereign AI capabilities in coordination with the US government.
At a glance:
- A 1GW Stargate UAE cluster in Abu Dhabi, with 200 MW expected to go live in 2026.
- UAE investment into U.S.-based Stargate infrastructure, building on the UAE–US AI Acceleration Partnership announced during President Trump’s visit earlier this month.
Bahrain
Zoho Corp to invest $500mn in Bahrain
Zoho Corp has announced a $500 million investment in Bahrain, which includes opening its first local office and a data centre. This move supports Bahrain’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and innovation, and aligns with Zoho’s ‘transnational localism’ strategy, with a focus on hiring and developing local talent. The announcement was made during Zoholics Bahrain, Zoho’s annual user conference. The company also launched Ulaa Enterprise, a privacy-focused browser designed to enhance enterprise cybersecurity with features like data loss prevention, centralised policy management, and AI-driven security powered by Zoho’s assistant, Zia. Zoho already operates offices and data centres in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and emphasises partnering locally to drive mutual growth…Read more
Middle East
Turkcell unit gets $108mn Emirates NBD loan for data centres
Turkcell subsidiary TDC Veri Hizmetleri (TDC) has secured $108 million in financing through a Murabaha agreement with Emirates NBD Bank, spanning the next five years. The funding is expected to support TDC’s investments in data centres and digital infrastructure, specifically, the development of facilities to meet growing demand for cloud computing, AI, and data storage services across Turkey. This announcement comes amid rising regional interest in data infrastructure and digital transformation, with GCC-based companies and governments increasingly involved in cross-border digital infrastructure projects…Read more