Google Cloud recently inaugurated its new Doha cloud region at a ceremony held at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The launch ceremony was led by Google Cloud officials in the presence of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohamed bin Ali al-Mannai, and HE the Minister of State and Chairman of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), Ahmad al-Sayed.
The establishment of the new cloud region aims to meet the increasing demand for cloud services in Qatar and the Middle East region, aligning with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 to transform the country into a digital economy through innovation and digital transformation.
According to research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership, the new Doha cloud region is expected to drive significant economic activity, contributing a cumulative $18.9 billion in higher gross economic output to Qatar’s economy between 2023 and 2030. Furthermore, it is projected to generate 25,000 jobs by 2030.
This milestone represents Google Cloud’s latest investment in Qatar, following the recent opening of a country office and virtual Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Msheireb. These investments highlight Google Cloud’s ongoing commitment to play a pivotal role in advancing Qatar’s digital future and technological capabilities.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Qatari government have been instrumental in facilitating the growth of cloud services through the adoption of cloud policies, enabling Google Cloud’s entry into the market.
HE Minister al-Mannai stated, “The launch of the first Google Cloud region in Qatar fits into our comprehensive vision to achieve the desired goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, including the establishment of a strong digital infrastructure with internationally agreed standards and policies that will lead us all towards a more efficient economy based on digitalization and technology to facilitate quality of life and provide convenient solutions for various sectors.”
Ahmad al-Sayed expressed his satisfaction with the launch of the new Google Cloud region, emphasizing its significance in advancing Qatar’s digital transformation and realizing Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
The strategic collaboration agreement between QFZA and Google Cloud, which facilitated the in-country Google Cloud presence, was announced in 2020. QFZA’s support in launching the CoE has played a vital role in fostering the growth of the technology ecosystem in Qatar.
Several key stakeholders, including Qatar Airways Group, beIN Media Group, Qatar Financial Centre, and Al Jazeera Media Network, expressed their excitement about the partnership with Google Cloud and the potential it holds for their respective industries.
“The Doha cloud region will be a catalyst for economic development and will create more employment opportunities in the Qatari market as more businesses grow and expand with the power of cloud technologies. We are also humbled by the presence of Qatari Cabinet ministers and leaders from Qatari businesses at the region launch event today, which reflects the endorsement of the new cloud regions’ potential. Adaire Fox-Martin, President of Google Cloud Go-to-Market said.
The new Doha region joins Google Cloud’s global network of 37 regions and 112 zones, extending high-performance, low-latency services and products to customers in Qatar, the Middle East, and over 200 countries and territories worldwide. The region offers robust security controls, data residency options, and compliance standards to meet the specific needs of organizations in the region.
