Microsoft launches first global datacenter region in Qatar

Early last month, Microsoft listed Qatar on its list of live Datacenters, highlighting that this new region will feature Azure Availability Zones. And yesterday, Microsoft announced the launch of its first global datacenter region in Qatar providing enterprise-grade services mitigating the high demand for “high-performance computing, and fast and reliable access to Microsoft services” in the region.

The project has been in the works since 2019, with the initial launch set for 2021. However, it was not possible to deliver the project within this timeframe because of several impediments. The Qatar datacenter is now up and running with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365.

“This journey was inspired by the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to establish a diversified and competitive national economy,” highlighted the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai during the launch. Microsoft’s EMEA President further indicated that, “This development will increase opportunities for organizations of all sizes and across all sectors to leverage our trusted cloud to innovate, better serve their customers, and achieve their business goals – ultimately supporting continued economic growth that benefits all residents.”

“According to a recent IDC study, over the next four years, Microsoft, its ecosystem, and cloud customers together could generate approximately $18.7 billion in new revenue and will add over 36,000 jobs to the Qatar economy,” Sam Hartmann told OnMSFT. This comes on top of providing essential cloud services to boost digital transformation as well as advance intelligent cloud adoption of businesses, customers, and partners across Qatar.

In other related news, we saw Microsoft and Amazon’s €2 billion investment in datacenter infrastructure in Ireland put on hold because its state-owned electrical utility provider is currently facing blackouts.