Ooredoo has introduced a new local AI cloud service in Qatar, harnessing the power of Nvidia’s Hopper GPUs. Hosted entirely within the country, this AI infrastructure provides businesses with access to high-performance computing capabilities without depending on international providers. This initiative is part of Qatar’s broader effort to gain more control over its digital infrastructure and enhance data sovereignty.
The AI cloud service is housed in local data centers, ensuring that businesses in sectors like energy, finance, logistics, and healthcare can run AI workloads with lower latency and without violating national data protection regulations. By keeping data within Qatar’s borders, the service aims to bolster security and comply with local guidelines while enabling businesses to leverage AI technology more effectively.
This launch aligns with a global trend where countries are developing their own AI infrastructure to mitigate reliance on foreign technology and maintain control over sensitive information. Ooredoo’s local setup gives companies in Qatar faster access to computing resources, ensuring compliance with the country’s legal framework. Additionally, this move will allow businesses to build and implement AI tools without the risk of exposing data to external entities.
Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al-Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, commented, “We are proud to bring this world-class AI infrastructure to Qatar, equipping our customers with the tools they need to turn ambition into real-world solutions.” He added that the collaboration with Nvidia will increase AI adoption across various sectors, benefiting both startups and government organizations. This, in turn, is expected to boost Qatar’s economic growth, enhance citizen experiences, and solidify its position as a digital leader in the region.
As part of its partnership with Nvidia, Ooredoo’s customers will have access to Nvidia’s AI Enterprise platform. This platform assists developers in moving AI projects from initial concept to full-scale production. The infrastructure will support the development of a wide range of AI-driven applications, such as chatbots, data analytics platforms, and AI-powered logistics systems, all hosted locally in Qatar.
The AI cloud infrastructure supports diverse use cases, including natural language processing and computer vision. It is operated by Syntys, a company known for managing high-performance data centers designed for heavy computing demands.
This launch is also in line with Qatar’s national strategies, such as the Qatar Digital Agenda 2030 and the National AI Strategy, both of which emphasize the importance of secure local infrastructure and responsible AI practices. These frameworks aim to foster economic growth while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The move supports a regional shift toward AI sovereignty, with countries focusing on keeping data and AI workloads local. This approach not only enhances security but also ensures regulatory control over sensitive data. Qatar’s robust legal framework and reliable hosting services make it an attractive destination for global firms looking to operate in the region while maintaining full control over their data.
Ooredoo, which operates in nine countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, is well-positioned to continue expanding its high-tech initiatives. With a reported revenue of QAR 23 billion (US$6.31 billion) in December 2024, the company has the resources to invest in innovative technology projects, such as this AI cloud infrastructure.