Google boosts Middle East presence with Qatar cloud data centres

Google announced the launch of its first cloud region in Qatar, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to transition into a digital economy driven by innovation. The establishment of a cloud region entails the presence of a cloud data centre within a specific geographic area.

According to research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership, the move is projected to contribute $18.9 billion to Qatar’s economic output between 2023 and 2030. Additionally, it is anticipated to generate 25,000 jobs by 2030 alone.

The Doha cloud region is developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Qatar Free Zone Authority. Comprising at least two data centres, the complex aims to meet the increasing demand for cloud services in Qatar and the broader Middle East region.

By leveraging Google’s cloud services, businesses and institutions in Qatar can enjoy enhanced efficiency and flexibility in adopting digital technologies. The cloud offerings eliminate the need for organizations to own or manage physical data centres and servers, benefiting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that make up a significant portion of the private sector.

The Doha cloud region is part of Google Cloud’s extensive global network, consisting of 37 regions and 112 zones that provide cloud services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. As Google competes with industry giants like Amazon and Microsoft in cloud technology, it continues to invest billions of dollars globally. The company is also considering plans to build additional data centres in the Middle East, recognizing its importance as a fast-growing market.

The competition among global technology and software companies to establish a presence in the region and gain market share is intensifying. Oracle, for example, opened a new cloud region in Abu Dhabi in November 2021, catering to the rising demand for storage capacity from regional enterprises.

The launch of the new Google Cloud region in Qatar is a significant milestone in the partnership between Google Cloud and Qatar, initiated in 2020 with an agreement to establish a cloud region in Doha. This development aligns with Qatar’s vision of digital transformation and the realization of its national goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed at building a sustainable knowledge-based economy.

As the cloud market gains momentum, several global players, including Alibaba Cloud, have established data centres in the region, further fueling the growth of the cloud industry in the Middle East.