Google Cloud launches Middle East region in Doha

Google Cloud announced on Monday the establishment of its Doha cloud region, a joint effort with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and Qatar Free Zone Authority. This development addresses the surging demand for cloud services in Qatar and the broader Middle East.

The launch ceremony, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, was highlighted by a keynote speech by HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. His Excellency declared that the first Google Cloud region in Qatar aligns with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The vision emphasises a robust digital infrastructure in compliance with international standards, moving towards an economy underpinned by digitalisation and technology to improve quality of life and offer practical solutions across various sectors. The new cloud region is expected to stimulate economic and productivity growth that would enable diverse government and private entities in Qatar to achieve substantial efficiency enhancements through the adoption of flexible digital technology features. The new Google Cloud region will play a pivotal role in promoting creativity and innovation across both public and private sectors, as well as on an individual level. It is expected to create quality job opportunities, contributing to the development of the digital economy.

Highlighting recent international reports, Al Mannai stated that public cloud services in Qatar are experiencing remarkable growth, with 32.2% anticipated between 2021 and 2026. Additionally, 61% of local companies have transitioned to digital business models based on innovation, demonstrating Qatar’s readiness to integrate cloud technology for digital empowerment.

As part of the digital transformation, MCIT plans to establish a digital innovation centre to support companies, initiating a campaign with Google Cloud to introduce a cloud policy framework and encourage widespread technology adoption in Qatar. The necessary policies, legislations, and regulations had been established to facilitate participation in the communications and information technology sector and to promote initiatives encouraging innovation, diversity, and competition both regionally and globally. This effort is aimed to create an appealing investment environment and drawing major international and emerging companies operating in digital and innovative technology fields to boost development plans in Qatar geared towards economic diversification.

The new Doha region will be part of Google Cloud’s global network, which includes 37 regions and 112 zones, providing services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Research commissioned by Google Cloud estimates that the new Doha cloud region will contribute a cumulative $18.9 billion in higher gross economic output to Qatar’s economy from 2023 to 2030, potentially creating 25,000 jobs by 2030 alone.

This substantial investment by Google Cloud further solidifies its commitment to Qatar, following the recent opening of a country office and a virtual centre of excellence in Msheireb.