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Yesterday, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in partnership with Microsoft, announced the launch of the country's first hyperscale cloud datacenter region during an event held under the patronage of HE Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. 

The Microsoft cloud datacenter region in Qatar is the 55th region of Microsoft worldwide, joining the world's largest cloud infrastructure, which enhances the State of Qatar's competitiveness on a global and regional level. This enhancement goes in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and consolidates the country's position as a leader in the digital transformation era. 

Microsoft cloud datacenter region in Qatar was inaugurated during a special celebratory event entitled "Qatar’s Digital Journey into the Future," held in Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel at the Pearl-Qatar, in the presence of their Excellencies the Ministers and many chief executive officers (CEOs) of public and private sectors, as well as Microsoft's global and regional executives. 

The new Microsoft cloud datacenter region in Qatar will contribute to developing the local economy's growth and supporting the country's efforts to achieve economic diversification, embrace talents, and attract foreign investments. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, HE Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said: "The launch of this datacenter region 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 Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030), 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 support 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. This support was reflected in the keenness to provide a legislative and legal environment that regulates the sector and enhances its attractiveness."

With the launch of cloud datacenter region, businesses of all sizes and industries can now host their cloud workloads in Microsoft's Qatar datacenter, 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. They also can use 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 and certifications any would offer – 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. 

In this regard, Mr. Ralph Haupter, President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), stated: "Across Qatar, Microsoft customers are already leveraging our trusted cloud to innovate, achieve their business goals and do more with less effort. We are proud to deliver the first hyperscale cloud datacenter region to the country, which will significantly amplify opportunities for even more transformation." 

On her part, Ms. Lana Khalaf, Microsoft Country General Manager said: "With its longstanding history as an early adopter of technology in different fields, Qatar has completely embraced cloud solutions and revolutionized entire industries to develop a new, advanced digital economy. Opening a cloud datacenter region today 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." 

Meeting customers’ demand for secure, smart and local cloud services 

A number of government entities, companies, and institutions across Qatar have started using Microsoft Cloud datacenter services to improve their digital capability and innovate in their industries. These entities include but not limited to, MCIT through its national programs, such as TASMU Platform, Qatar Digital Government, and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).

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. 

HE Mrs. Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development at MCIT, said: "The State of Qatar has become a regional hub for digital transformation in the region. The State provided an infrastructure attracting investment in digital economy. Thus, this has motivated global companies and entrepreneurs to launch high-impact projects that will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing Qatar's journey in the area of digitization and IT."  

SC selected TASMU Platform to avail technical services provided by the platform, such as digital twin and smart data analysis for managing transfers and managing fans for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. SC works on organizing a world-class tournament that will enhance the State of Qatar's standing globally, by harnessing the most developed technologies.  

Offering new opportunities for partners

The Microsoft cloud datacenter region Qatar will drive growth and scale for more than 100 Microsoft partners in the country, as well as global partners looking to establish themselves in the country. Microsoft partners such as Qatar Datamation Systems (QDS), ICT, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), malomatia, Mannai, Ernst & Young (EY), Ooredoo, Meeza, Starlink, Veeam, KPMG, Vodafone and Intel, are delivering transformative solutions across the Microsoft Cloud to drive customer success.

More than 70% of local startups have joined the Microsoft Founders hub. These startups have the potential to go on and become the next unicorns of their industries (their value is estimated at more than $1 billion). In addition, a minimum of 11 global partners and ISV established operations in Qatar last year alone.  

A study conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC) has shed light on revenues that Microsoft's partner ecosystem will contribute to generating for Qatar's economy. The study estimated 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.

To learn more about the Microsoft cloud datacenter region in Qatar, please visit the website related to this Microsoft region.