Latest news with #InternetExchange
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Data Centers In Middle East: The Digital Oil
Raed Rached, Expereo, Managing Director MEA. Working for a multinational corporation (MNC) with operations in the MEA region, I've found that it was always a question of where to store the data and how the latencies look like to Europe or Asia. During Covid, there was a big shift from on-prem hosting to public clouds sponsored by hyperscalers such as AWS and Microsoft. That exposure created high demand for local data center capabilities, fueled by local compliance rules trying to keep consumers' data on national soil. This shift was adopted rapidly by MNCs and SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) and forced telco providers to factor new designs into their proposals. And this is just the beginning. The MEA region is experiencing significant growth in its data center market. As of 2024, the market was valued at approximately USD $8.63 billion and is projected to reach USD $19.89 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.93%. Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are pivotal in enhancing regional connectivity. Platforms like DE-CIX have established a presence in the Middle East, facilitating efficient data exchange and reducing latency. These IXPs enable local internet service providers (ISPs) and content providers to interconnect directly, improving the quality and speed of internet services. Global routing in the MEA region is further strengthened by strategic submarine cable projects, such as the 2Africa initiative, which aims to interconnect countries in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, significantly enhancing global internet traffic flow. Let's review the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the MEA data center landscape. Current Challenges: Geopolitics, Limited Players, Regulatory Constraints And AI-Driven Demand Geopolitical Tensions: The region's geopolitical landscape can impact infrastructure development and cross-border data flows. For instance, concerns over data sovereignty and national security can influence decisions on data center locations and operations. Limited Market Players: The data center industry in MEA is still emerging, with a few dominant players. This concentration can lead to higher costs and limited service options for consumers and businesses. Regulatory Constraints: Varying regulations across countries can pose challenges for ISPs and data center operators. For example, data localization laws require companies to store data within specific jurisdictions, complicating operations for global providers. AI-Driven Demand: The surge in AI applications necessitates substantial computational power and storage. This demand puts pressure on existing infrastructure, requiring rapid scaling and investment in advanced technologies. New Players And Hyperscalers Driving The Market The MEA region is attracting significant interest from global hyperscalers and new entrants: • Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS has announced a $5.3 billion investment to develop new data centers in Saudi Arabia, signaling strong confidence in the region's potential. • Microsoft: In partnership with UAE-based G42, Microsoft plans to invest $1.5 billion, aiming to bolster AI capabilities and data infrastructure in the Middle East. • OpenAI: OpenAI is also partnering (paywall) with the UAE technology firm G42 to construct a massive 1-gigawatt AI data center in Abu Dhabi, marking OpenAI's first major international infrastructure project. These investments are not only enhancing the region's digital infrastructure but also creating opportunities for local talent development and innovation. Obstacles To Be Solved • Energy Consumption: Data centers are energy-intensive. For instance, in Ireland, data centers consumed 21% of the nation's electricity in 2023, leading to concerns about sustainability. Similar challenges could arise in MEA if energy efficiency isn't prioritized. • Cooling Solutions: The region's hot climate necessitates advanced cooling technologies to maintain optimal data center operations, which can increase operational costs. • Skilled Workforce: There's a shortage of skilled professionals to manage and operate advanced data centers, highlighting the need for training and education programs. • Infrastructure Gaps: In some areas, inadequate power and network infrastructure can hinder data center development and operations. Call For Action And Investment Opportunities Through strategic investment and innovation, forward-looking leaders can turn these challenges into compelling opportunities to help shape the MEA region's digital future. • Invest in renewable energy. Leveraging solar and wind energy can address sustainability concerns and reduce operational costs. • Enhance regulatory frameworks. Harmonizing regulations across countries can facilitate smoother operations for ISPs and data center operators. • Develop talent. Implementing training programs and partnerships with educational institutions can build a skilled workforce to support the growing industry. • Consider public-private partnerships. Collaborations between governments and private entities can drive infrastructure development and innovation. The MEA region stands at a pivotal point in its digital transformation journey. Strategic investments and collaborative efforts can unlock immense opportunities for global ISPs and contribute to the region's economic growth. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Al Bawaba
17-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
UAE-IX Powered by DE-CIX Introduces 400 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity, Strengthening Position as the Largest Internet Exchange in the Middle East
datamena, carrier neutral data centre and connectivity platform from du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, and DE-CIX, the global leader in Internet Exchange (IX) operations, announced a significant upgrade to the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX, making it the first IX in the region to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400 GE) access. This enhancement solidifies the UAE-IX's position as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East, enabling unmatched connectivity and interconnection capabilities for enterprises, carriers, and content providers across the GCC and the last year alone, connected customer capacity on the UAE-IX grew by two terabits, representing a 30% increase. With over six terabits of aggregate connected capacity and close to 110 participating networks—including Internet service providers, carriers, cloud platforms, content providers, and global enterprises—the exchange has evolved into a critical digital infrastructure hub for the Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: 'We are proud to partner with DE-CIX in leading digital growth in the Middle East with the upgrade of the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to 400 GE access. It is our vision to foster a seamlessly interconnected landscape where businesses and consumers alike can benefit from unparalleled Internet exchange capabilities, heightened performance, and robust security. This milestone aligns with our commitment to maintaining the UAE-IX as a pioneer in interconnection and marks a transformative leap for regional digital ecosystems.'The UAE-IX stands out not only as a leading peering exchange but also as a provider of advanced enterprise-grade interconnection services, including cloud exchanges, cloud routing, and application connectivity such as the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS).Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX said: 'The UAE-IX today stands as a global Internet hub, bringing together the network operators, content, applications, and cloud services to serve the entire GCC region with resilient and low latency connectivity. This upgrade further reinforces the importance of the UAE-IX, now ready to serve the rising demand for everything digital. The excellent collaboration with our partner du has enabled the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to shine as the most important aggregation point for network interconnection in the Middle East. I look forward to a bright future working together for the next decade of digital development.'DE-CIX, renowned for its neutral interconnection ecosystem and extensive global footprint, has been active in the Middle East for over a decade, with IX operations spanning Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. The UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX in Dubai is operated under the DE-CIX as a Service (DaaS) model, offering a turnkey solution for partners—including carriers and data center operators—through comprehensive services such as setup, maintenance, provisioning, marketing, and sales support. This upgrade is set to empower regional businesses, foster technological advancement, and support the rapidly growing demand for high-performance, low-latency digital connectivity, paving the way for continued innovation and growth in the Middle East.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX introduces 400 Gigabit ethernet connectivity
DE-CIX and datamena have upgraded the UAE-IX to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet, enhancing its status as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East and supporting the region's digital growth. Dubai, UAE: datamena, carrier neutral data centre and connectivity platform from du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, and DE-CIX, the global leader in Internet Exchange (IX) operations, announced a significant upgrade to the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX, making it the first IX in the region to offer 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400 GE) access. This enhancement solidifies the UAE-IX's position as the largest and most advanced Internet Exchange in the Middle East, enabling unmatched connectivity and interconnection capabilities for enterprises, carriers, and content providers across the GCC and beyond. In the last year alone, connected customer capacity on the UAE-IX grew by two terabits, representing a 30% increase. With over six terabits of aggregate connected capacity and close to 110 participating networks—including Internet service providers, carriers, cloud platforms, content providers, and global enterprises—the exchange has evolved into a critical digital infrastructure hub for the region. Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: 'We are proud to partner with DE-CIX in leading digital growth in the Middle East with the upgrade of the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to 400 GE access. It is our vision to foster a seamlessly interconnected landscape where businesses and consumers alike can benefit from unparalleled Internet exchange capabilities, heightened performance, and robust security. This milestone aligns with our commitment to maintaining the UAE-IX as a pioneer in interconnection and marks a transformative leap for regional digital ecosystems.' The UAE-IX stands out not only as a leading peering exchange but also as a provider of advanced enterprise-grade interconnection services, including cloud exchanges, cloud routing, and application connectivity such as the Microsoft Azure Peering Service (MAPS). Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX said: 'The UAE-IX today stands as a global Internet hub, bringing together the network operators, content, applications, and cloud services to serve the entire GCC region with resilient and low latency connectivity. This upgrade further reinforces the importance of the UAE-IX, now ready to serve the rising demand for everything digital. The excellent collaboration with our partner du has enabled the UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX to shine as the most important aggregation point for network interconnection in the Middle East. I look forward to a bright future working together for the next decade of digital development.' DE-CIX, renowned for its neutral interconnection ecosystem and extensive global footprint, has been active in the Middle East for over a decade, with IX operations spanning Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. The UAE-IX powered by DE-CIX in Dubai is operated under the DE-CIX as a Service (DaaS) model, offering a turnkey solution for partners—including carriers and data center operators—through comprehensive services such as setup, maintenance, provisioning, marketing, and sales support. This upgrade is set to empower regional businesses, foster technological advancement, and support the rapidly growing demand for high-performance, low-latency digital connectivity, paving the way for continued innovation and growth in the Middle East. About datamena datamena is the UAE's fastest growing carrier neutral data centre and leading digital hub serving the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. It is owned and operated by du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC). Carriers, hyperscalers, cloud and content providers and enterprises choose datamena because it provides a growing ecosystem of partners that enables them to meet, connect and do business to accelerate growth in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. datamena provides customer access to critical digital infrastructure and partners within a simple and seamless ecosystem to allow them to benefit from global cloud and content hubs by providing a seamless and high-performance data centre, connectivity and interconnectivity solutions dedicated to enabling local and global digital transformation and we're only just getting started. The simple, secure and open ecosystem has been awarded 'Best Internet Exchange Innovation' at the 15th edition of the prestigious Global Carrier Awards 2019, which took place in London, United Kingdom. About DE-CIX DE-CIX, pronounced DEE-KICKS [dˈi:-kˈɪks], is the world's leading operator of Internet Exchanges (IXs). Founded in 1995, the company is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. DE-CIX offers its interconnection services in 60 locations in Europe, Africa, North and South America, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, accessible from data centers in over 600 cities world-wide, DE-CIX interconnects thousands of network operators (carriers), Internet service providers (ISPs), content providers and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries, and offers peering, cloud, and other interconnection services. DE-CIX Frankfurt is one of the largest Internet Exchanges in the world, with a data volume of over 45 Exabytes per year (as of 2024) and close to 1100 connected networks. Close to 250 colleagues from over 35 different nations form the foundation of the DE-CIX success story in Germany and around the world. Since the beginning of the commercial Internet, DE-CIX has had a decisive influence – in a range of leading global bodies, such as the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) – on co-defining guiding principles for the Internet of the present and the future. As the operator of critical IT infrastructure, DE-CIX bears a great responsibility for the seamless, fast, and secure data exchange between people, enterprises, and organizations at its locations around the globe. Further information at
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
What Holds the Internet Together and Why It's Now at Risk
A new report from ICANN and the Internet Society details how the Internet Governance Forum has supported a stable and secure Internet—and why that model is now under strain. PRAGUE, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- As global discussions intensify around the future of Internet governance, two of the Internet's long-standing technical institutions—the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Society (ISOC)—are urging renewed focus on what has kept the Internet open and operational for more than two decades: collaborative coordination across borders and sectors. Released today, the joint report Footprints of 20 Years of the Internet Governance Forum illustrates how cooperation among governments, engineers, civil society, and businesses has helped maintain a single, secure, and globally accessible Internet. The report draws from a range of technical, policy, and infrastructure outcomes that have emerged through the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its broader network. "The Internet didn't stay unified by chance. Its resilience is the result of people and institutions working across borders and sectors," said Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO. "This report underscores that the Internet's success is not accidental; it's coordinated. If we value a single, secure, and interoperable Internet, then we must recommit to the model that made it possible." "For twenty years, the IGF has shown that multistakeholder governance delivers," said Sally Wentworth, President and CEO of the Internet Society. "Its footprint spans infrastructure, security, access, and policy—often in places where conventional governance falls short. But the gains we've made are only as strong as our commitment to keep investing in them." Key Findings Infrastructure Impact Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), which allow local Internet traffic to be exchanged more efficiently, more than doubled in Africa over the past decade. This growth has reduced latency, improved service quality, and cut operational costs for providers. Global Reach More than 4.4 million domain names are now registered in non-Latin scripts, significantly expanding digital access for communities using Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, and other scripts. Universal Acceptance Day 2025 was marked by over 50 international events promoting full linguistic functionality across the Internet ecosystem. Internet Security at Scale Today, 93 percent of top-level domains are protected using Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), a protocol that helps prevent DNS-based cyberattacks by verifying data authenticity. In parallel, more than 1,000 networks around the world have adopted the Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS), an initiative that promotes responsible routing practices and mitigates systemic vulnerabilities. Policy Engagement Over 180 National and Regional Internet Governance Forums (NRIs) are active worldwide. Youth IGFs have brought new perspectives into national and international policy dialogues, while the IGF Parliamentary Track has helped shape legislative thinking on digital trust, rights, and inclusion. A Pivotal Moment The report is being launched ahead of the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), a milestone that is expected to influence how global digital cooperation evolves in the coming decade. Against this backdrop, ICANN and ISOC are calling for renewed attention to the institutions and frameworks that have supported a unified, secure, and open Internet. Rather than offering abstract conclusions, the report is structured around practical and globally sourced examples. It aims to inform current debates by showing what has worked and what could be at risk if support for distributed, collaborative governance falters. Download the full report. About ICANN ICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world. For more information, please visit: About the Internet Society Founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global non-profit organization working to ensure the Internet is for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 130+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. For more information, please visit:
