In addition to the new datacenter region, Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 have also been launched during the event, giving organisations access to hundreds of scalable, highly available and resilient cloud services from Qatar.
Microsoft has launched its first cloud datacenter region in Qatar in collaboration with the Qatari Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, during an event held under the patronage of Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
The launch ceremony, titled “Qatar Digital Journey to the Future,” was attended by several ministers, senior executives in the public and private sectors, and Microsoft officials.
The datacenter 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, Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, said: “The launch of the datacentre today is considered an important milestone in the process of transforming the State of Qatar into an advanced and pioneering digital center 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.
With the opening of the Microsoft center, local and international businesses will be able to host their cloud data in Qatar, benefiting from high levels of reliability and performance.
Customers can now use Microsoft Azure to develop advanced apps in a secure cloud environment using artificial intelligence, data analytics, the Internet of things, and hybrid cloud capabilities.
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 datacenter region to the country, which will significantly amplify opportunities for even more transformation.”
Lana Khalaf, Microsoft Country Manager, commented: “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.”
A number of agencies in Qatar are using Microsoft cloud data centers to develop their digital capabilities, including the MCIT through its national programs, TASMU platform and the Qatar digital government, as well as the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.
Earlier this year, Microsoft, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), launched the National Skilling Programme, with the goal to upskill over 50,000 people in Qatar by providing digital skills acquisition programmes over the next four years. To date, the programme had benefited over 14,000 people.
Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), noted: “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.”
The Microsoft cloud datacenter 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,
More than 70% of Qatari Startups are on the Microsoft Founders hub. 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.
